CEA Liten (staff: 900) is a fast growing technological research institute dedicated to new energy technologies (photovoltaic, batteries, H₂ and fuel cells) and nano-materials research. CEA is heading the N.ERGHY research grouping. Within CEA Liten, the DEHT (Electricity and Hydrogen technologies for the Transports Department) is now staffed with more than 150 employees. The laboratory covers R&D on low temperature and high temperature fuel cells and electrolysers, from materials (membranes, catalysts, ceramic cells, bipolar plates, seals) to system integration (stack and systems design and prototyping, power electronics, technical-economical studies).

In this proposed project, CEA Liten will participate to the developments of protocols for Accelerated Stress Tests (AST) and of a lifetime prediction tool by multi scale modelling in WP01. Besides, the platform of nanocharacterization will be use to perform ex-situ measurements on MEA after lifetime tests (SEM, TEM…). CEA will characterize small scale MEA composed of innovative materials. Some tests will be performed to characterize innovative components.

The main tasks attributed and previous experiences
CEA LITEN has a long experience in low temperature fuel cells, and led important studies on PEM electrolysis in the 1990s, with associated know-how on materials, fluidics, electrochemistry and cell design. A lot of experience has been obtained on PEMFC on the understanding of physics involved in fuel cells by the validation of in-house performance numerical models on in-house experimental results. Specific experimental tools have been developed to characterize some main transport properties of materials used inside cell cores, especially thin porous media like GDL and microporous layers. The laboratory of components for PEM fuel cells, electrolysers and modelling (LCPEM) has a good experience in the development of catalytic layers with several techniques of deposition (casting, screeprinting, spray techniques etc.). Besides, two single cell test benches are available to characterize, in PEM water electrolysis tests, the innovative MEA and components developed in the project.

For more information, please visit:.

http://www-liten.cea.fr/index_uk.htm

http://www-liten.cea.fr/uk/publications/docs/ra_liten_uk_08_01.pdf