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Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) exhibit encouraging potential as an enabling technology for the Hydrogen Economy. Currently an important barrier to commercialization is the cost associated with existing PEMFC materials; this project???s goal was to investigate alternative materials for PEMFC bipolar plates. Conductive thermoplastic materials offer the promise of low density, low cost processing, and inexpensive resins, and were the focus of material development for PEMFC bipolar plate applications. In order to develop a thermoplastic bipolar plate this study utilized the combination of a low cost injection moldable commodity polymer resin, and low cost carbon materials as conductive fillers. The materials selected and tested included; a polypropylene copolymer; acetylene carbon black; Vulcan carbon black; and short carbon fiber. The components were combined in a twin screw extruder and injection molded into samples for testing. The result was a spectrum of composite samples with a range of filler loadings from 0 to 60 wt% and varying filler type ratios. Synergy between the different carbon types was achieved which led to better physical properties, specifically conductivity. The novel blends produced were tested for electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, rheology, microscopy, and actual plates were made and tested in a single cell PEMFC. These trials enabled discussion around the feasibility of the materials with respect to processability, cost, and performance (both in the fuel cell and in potential applications). The most significant results were measured using a composite blend with 54 wt% filler loading and a 1:1:1 filler ratio. Mechanical results achieved 68% and 100% of the industry targets for tensile and flexural strength, respectively. Tensile strength attained 27.7 MPa and flexural strength measured 82.8 MPa. Electrical conductivity results for the same samples varied between the two methods of measurement used. Using a fuel cell industry recommended procedure 2.2 S/cm was achieved and using a four point ASTM measurement technique 12.0 S/cm was reported. These values represent 3% to 12% of the industry target. Actual 16 cm2 fuel cell plates were produced, fuel cell hardware constructed and assembled, and the power output was found to be 51% relative to graphite plates. Thermoplastic bipolar plates for PEMFCs made of composite materials is promising, but optimum filler loading that balances all properties is still required in order to achieve conductivity targets. Nevertheless this study has demonstrated that conductive thermoplastic bipolar plates can be produced via injection molding.

The hydrogenase enzyme is an effective replacement for the expensive platinum catalysts used in hydrogen fuel cells today. However, many enzymes themselves are found in extreme environments and are inactive under standard conditions, but current active site models have a much larger over-potential for H+ reduction than the actual enzyme. Most research today involves the improvement of these synthetic models in an attempt to lower reduction potential, increase reaction kinetics, or improve catalytic activity. Research focuses on the synthesis of active site models with a carbon chain bridgehead linker of varying length. Synthesis of these molecules is achieved by the reaction of a dithiol with triiron dodecacarbonyl under an inert atmosphere to avoid the formation of by-products. Dithiols with four or more carbon atoms must first be converted to cyclic disulfides before the reaction with the iron The hydrogenase enzyme is an effective replacement for the expensive platinum catalysts used in hydrogen fuel cells today. However, many enzymes themselves are found in extreme environments and are inactive under standard conditions, but current active site models have a much larger over-potential for H+ reduction than the actual enzyme. Most research today involves the improvement of these synthetic models in an attempt to lower reduction potential, increase reaction kinetics, or improve catalytic activity. Research focuses on the synthesis of active site models with a carbon chain bridgehead linker of varying length. Synthesis of these molecules is achieved by the reaction of a dithiol with triiron dodecacarbonyl under an inert atmosphere to avoid the formation of by-products. Dithiols with four or more carbon atoms must first be converted to cyclic disulfides before the reaction with the iron dodecacarbonyl. This prevents the formation of an unwanted side product. Both butyl- and pentyldithiolatohexacarbonyldiiron model complexes have been characterized by IR, NMR, and X-ray spectroscopy. Active site models can also feature two unlinked sulfur atoms. These models have two conformational isomers that depend on the spatial location of the R-group bonded to each sulfur atom. This research also focuses on the synthesis of unlinked active site models with a variety of R-groups, and a temperature controlled NMR study of the isomeration reaction to determine the reaction rate. / Review of literature -- Synthesis of [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site mimics with bridged sulfur atoms -- Preliminary kinetics study of [FeFe]-hydrogenase active site mimics. / Department of Chemistry

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