GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Proposals should address the following:

• The development of non-fluorinated ionomers for membranes and catalyst layers with low resistance, low H2 permeability, high thermal and chemical stability, as well as, for membranes, high mechanical stability in both wet and dry states;
• The development of non-fluorinated membrane reinforcement technologies to enhance the mechanical strength and reduce the dimensional swelling of fluorine-free membranes;
• Studies investigating the use of non-fluorinated ionomers in the catalyst layer, including the optimisation of catalyst ink composition and subsequent catalyst layer deposition;
• Validation of single cells/short stacks in PEMFC and/or PEMEL (minimum cell size of 25 cm2) employing appropriate performance and durability protocols.
• Lifecycle and environmental impact assessment comparing the novel non-fluorinated components developed within the project with the existing fluorinated components to demonstrate the sustainability of the proposed solutions.
• Techno-economic analysis of the new non-fluorinated components to identify potential advantages in capital and/or operational expenditures is also considered within the scope of this topic.