2151576
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
SBIR Phase I: Engineering Scalability of Durable Low-Noble-Metal-Content Fuel Cell Catalysts - The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be the demonstration of a commercially viable catalyst technology for hydrogen fuel cells.
In the existing energy market, customer needs arise from the specific requirements of sustainable energy grids in terms of storage and conversion modules that manage the energy efficiency and meet stringent regulations for pollution. Hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to address most of those requirements.
The potential commercial impact of the proposed project stems from increasing societal interest and market needs in clean energy and a sustainable environment. The technology will contribute to the replacement of fossil fuels and reduce emissions from stationary power plants and on-road/off-road transportation.
The proposed technology development will benefit the manufacturers of fuel cell stacks or parts which currently suffer from high manufacturing costs associated with high-cost catalysts and short lifetimes of the catalyst in fuel cell operation. The technology also has the potential to benefit the agriculture drone manufacturers seeking an alternative lightweight, highly efficient energy package with long flight duration and low/zero pollution.
This SBIR Phase I project will develop a new technology that enables hydrogen fuel cells with catalysts containing a low percentage of platinum group metals and a membrane electrode assembly with high activity and durability. Key pain points in the fuel cell market are the high loading of platinum group metals in the catalysts and the poor durability of the current catalysts during operations.
The goal is to develop a commercially viable route to the durable and low-platinum-content catalyst and membrane electrode assembly by nano-engineering the metal composition and synthesis scalability. The proposed research and development will accomplish three major tasks including the development of a scalable synthesis route for the production of the targeted catalyst, the preparation of the membrane electrode assembly, and the evaluation of the performance in the hydrogen fuel cells.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
In the existing energy market, customer needs arise from the specific requirements of sustainable energy grids in terms of storage and conversion modules that manage the energy efficiency and meet stringent regulations for pollution. Hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to address most of those requirements.
The potential commercial impact of the proposed project stems from increasing societal interest and market needs in clean energy and a sustainable environment. The technology will contribute to the replacement of fossil fuels and reduce emissions from stationary power plants and on-road/off-road transportation.
The proposed technology development will benefit the manufacturers of fuel cell stacks or parts which currently suffer from high manufacturing costs associated with high-cost catalysts and short lifetimes of the catalyst in fuel cell operation. The technology also has the potential to benefit the agriculture drone manufacturers seeking an alternative lightweight, highly efficient energy package with long flight duration and low/zero pollution.
This SBIR Phase I project will develop a new technology that enables hydrogen fuel cells with catalysts containing a low percentage of platinum group metals and a membrane electrode assembly with high activity and durability. Key pain points in the fuel cell market are the high loading of platinum group metals in the catalysts and the poor durability of the current catalysts during operations.
The goal is to develop a commercially viable route to the durable and low-platinum-content catalyst and membrane electrode assembly by nano-engineering the metal composition and synthesis scalability. The proposed research and development will accomplish three major tasks including the development of a scalable synthesis route for the production of the targeted catalyst, the preparation of the membrane electrode assembly, and the evaluation of the performance in the hydrogen fuel cells.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Awardee
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Vestal,
New York
13850-3628
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
None
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have decreased 50% from $511,102 to $255,551.
Domcat Technologies was awarded
Project Grant 2151576
worth $255,551
from National Science Foundation in March 2023 with work to be completed primarily in Vestal New York United States.
The grant
has a duration of 5 months and
was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
SBIR Phase I:Engineering Scalability of Durable Low-Noble-Metal-Content Fuel Cell Catalysts
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be the demonstration of a commercially viable catalyst technology for hydrogen fuel cells. In the existing energy market, customer needs arise from the specific requirements of sustainable energy grids in terms of storage and conversion modules that manage the energy efficiency and meet stringent regulations for pollution. Hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to address most of those requirements. The potential commercial impact of the proposed project stems from increasing societal interest and market needs in clean energy and a sustainable environment. The technology will contribute to the replacement of fossil fuels and reduce emissions from stationary power plants and on-road/off-road transportation. The proposed technology development will benefit the manufacturers of fuel cell stacks or parts which currently suffer from high manufacturing costs associated with high-cost catalysts and short lifetimes of the catalyst in fuel cell operation. The technology also has the potential to benefit the agriculture drone manufacturers seeking an alternative lightweight, highly efficient energy package with long flight duration and low/zero pollution._x000D_ _x000D_ This SBIR Phase I project will develop a new technology that enables hydrogen fuel cells with catalysts containing a low percentage of platinum group metals and a membrane electrode assembly with high activity and durability.Key pain points in the fuel cell market are the high loading of platinum group metals in the catalysts and the poor durability of the current catalysts during operations. The goal is to develop a commercially viable route to the durable and low-platinum-content catalyst and membrane electrode assembly by nano-engineering the metal composition and synthesis scalability.The proposed research and development will accomplish three major tasks including the development of a scalable synthesis route for the production of the targeted catalyst, the preparation of the membrane electrode assembly, and the evaluation of the performance in the hydrogen fuel cells._x000D_ _x000D_ This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Topic Code
EN
Solicitation Number
NSF 21-562
Status
(Complete)
Last Modified 3/21/23
Period of Performance
3/15/23
Start Date
8/31/23
End Date
Funding Split
$255.6K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$255.6K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2151576
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
NAZKUAVQY2B3
Awardee CAGE
90K14
Performance District
Not Applicable
Budget Funding
| Federal Account | Budget Subfunction | Object Class | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research and Related Activities, National Science Foundation (049-0100) | General science and basic research | Grants, subsidies, and contributions (41.0) | $255,551 | 100% |
Modified: 3/21/23