2003 NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS - 4th Annual Nanostructured Materials for Production and Application in Fuel Cells and Energy Devices

Type Documentation ISBN 1-59430-081-X Publication Date November, 2003 Number of Pages 389 List Price $229.00 Availability In Stock

RELATED TITLES 1999 SMALL FUEL CELLS(sm) and Battery Technologies for use in Portable Applications 2000 SMALL FUEL CELLS(sm) and Battery Technologies - 2nd Annual International Conference for use in Portable Applications 2001 SMALL FUEL CELLS(sm) - 3rd Annual International Conference on Small Fuel Cells and Battery Technologies for Portable Power Applications 2002 SMALL FUEL CELLS(sm) - 4th Annual International Conference for Portable Power Applications 2003 SMALL FUEL CELLS(sm) - 5th Annual Small Fuel Cells for Portable Power Applications 2002 NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS - 3rd Annual Production and Application of NanoStructured Materials for Energy Devices

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Overview

The Knowledge Foundation's 4th Annual International Conference

There is overwhelming demand for novel nanostructured materials for use in energy devices. This meeting will focus on overcoming the challenges of utilizing these materials in fuel cells as well as rechargeable batteries, hybrid and other energy devices. In it's 4^th year, this unique conference is specifically designed to bridge research efforts with production and application perspectives towards technology transfer innovations.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from leading scientists, technology experts and industry leaders about:

� Nanostructured Materials for Hydrogen Production, Storage and Fuel Cells
� Structure-Property Relationships in Electrochemical Nanomaterials
� Nano-Catalysts for Low Temperature Fuel Cells
� Intermediate Temperature SOFC via Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition
� Efficient Manufacturing or Low Cost SOFC
� Compact Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Advantage
� Supported Mixed Metal Nanoparticles for Fuel Cells Electrodes
� Zeolite Nanocomposite Membranes and Carbon Nanotube Based Electrodes
� Organic Membranes for Fuel Cells
� New Class of Proton Exchange Membranes for Elevated Temperature Operation
� Proton Exchange Membrane with Nano-Size Proton Conductor for DMFCs
� Fullerene Nanofibers as Potential Materials for Fuel Cell Electrodes
� Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Fuel Cell Technologies
� Electrodeposited Nanostructures for Microfabricated Fuel Cells

Featuring:

A Special Half-Day Pre-Conference Workshop

This half-day workshop will feature presentations on the application of nanomaterials in a variety of energy storage and conversion devices vs. fuel cells. Come to listen to the following case studies presented by our distinguished faculty:

SPACE IS LIMITED, REGISTER TODAY!

Related links:

Nanotechnology.net

Table of Contents

Sunday, November 9, 2003

7:30 Registration, Poster/Exhibit Set Up, Coffee and Pastries

8:15 Chairperson's Opening Remarks and Overview
Levi T. Thompson, PhD, Associate Dean and Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan

8:25 Materials Development Challenges for Rechargeable Batteries and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells:
An Overview of Fundamental and Applied Aspects
Sanjeev Mukerjee, PhD, Professor, Dept of Chemistry and Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Lab, Northeastern University
This talk will provide an overview of the current state of the art in terms of materials for Li-ion (and polymer)batteries as well as Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. The challenges faced in the design and development of materials of electrochemical energy storage will be contrasted with those in energy conversion. Hence the talk and discussions will relate to basic aspects of thermodynamics, electronic and bulk structural issues which determine the capacity, rate capability and cyclability of the energy storage electrode materials and its comparison with surface and interfacial charge transfer issues in the kinetics and durability of energy conversion. These basic materials aspects will be used to build an understanding of economics and niche market opportunities in each technological category. Future projections will be presented on the prospects of new materials development and its potential for shaping tomorrows markets.

9:05 Nanostructured Materials for Li-ion Batteries - The Potential and the Challenges
Justin Adams, Commercial Manager, High Power Lithium, Switzerland
The talk will present an overview of the challenges and opportunities for nanostructured materials in Li-ion battery systems. We will assess how these batteries will compare to existing Li-ion systems and emerging fuel cell technologies focusing on the energy and power dynamics of both. The talk will then focus on recent results from our lab highlighting the benefits of using nanostructured metal oxides as the active material in Li-ion electrodes. We will then conclude with a realistic assessment of the barriers and challenges that need to be overcome to enable successful commercialisation.

9:45 Refreshment Break, Discussions, Exhibit/Poster Viewing

10:05 Commercial Status of Nanotechnology for Fuel Cell and Energy Applications
Tapesh Yadav, PhD, CEO, NanoProducts Corporation
Nanotechnology aims to precision engineer materials to create products with significantly superior combination of electrochemical, chemical, structural, structural, thermal and other characteristics. Some of the significant concerns for nanotechnology in fuel cell and energy applications is whether high quality nanostructured materials of complex composition can be produced in high volume, low-cost and processed into useful products. This presentation will address these issues. We will also discuss the recent advances in materials nanotechnology. Finally, novel opportunities for cost reduction, performance improvements and product engineering will be discussed.

10:45 Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion
Ryne P. Raffaelle, PhD, Professor of Physics and Co-Director of NanoPower Research Labs, Rochester Institute of Technology
We will review recent advances in the use of nanostructured materials for power applications developed within the NanoPower Research Laboratories at RIT. In particular, the use of high purity single wall nanotubes for a variety of generation and storage applications including: thin film lithium ion batteries, microelectronic proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, and polymeric thin film solar cells will be discussed. Finally, recent work on the development of new quantum dot materials and their possible applications including high efficiency photovoltaic solar cells will be presented.

11:25 Nanostructured Electrodes for Next Generation Rechargeable Electrochemical Devices
Ganesh Skandan, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder, NEI Corporation*
New rechargeable electrochemical device configurations have become the subject of increased attention in the recent past. For example, rocking chair batteries based on Mg-ion intercalation instead of the usual Li-ion, asymmetric hybrid devices based on a combination of supercapacitor and Li-ion technologies, and the use of non-conventional electrode chemistries in Li-ion batteries, appear to have potential applications in niche areas in the foreseeable future. The presentation will focus on recent developments at NEI on nanomaterials-based electrodes for these novel devices.
*In collaboration with: A.Singhal, NEI Corporation

12:05 Concluding Discussion

Facilitator - Levi T. Thompson

All Workshop speakers available to take questions

12:20 End of Workshop

Sunday, November 9, 2003

1:00 Registration, Exhibit/Poster Viewing, Refreshments

1:45 Chairperson's Opening Remarks
Ryne P. Raffaelle, PhD, Professor of Physics and Co-Director of NanoPower Research Labs, Rochester Institute of Technology

1:50 KEY NOTE ADDRESS: Nanostructured Materials for Hydrogen Production, Storage and Fuel Cells
Levi T. Thompson, PhD, Associate Dean and Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells operating with hydrogen from liquid fuels like methanol and gasoline are being developed to replace batteries in portable electronic devices and internal combustion engines in automobiles. The major challenges that remain will require the discovery and development of better performing materials. This talk will review advances in hydrogen production, storage and fuel cells achieved using new, nanostructured materials.

2:30 Structure-Property Relationships in Electrochemical Nanomaterials
Karen Swider Lyons, PhD, Materials Engineer, Surface Chemistry Branch, Naval Research Laboratory*
The research of nanomaterials for power sources requires a commensurate understanding of structure-property relationships to ultimately reveal "how they work." We have found that by using a combination of old and new analytical tools, we are able to glean new information about the medium-range structure (0.5- to 1.5- nm) of materials and resolve their functionality. Examples will be given for how the medium-range structure controls the properties of electrochemical capacitor materials (hydrous RuO₂) and catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and how this can lead to the design of new materials.
*In collaboration with: K.Bussmann, NRL; W.Dmowski, University of Tennessee

3:00 Nano-Catalysts for Low Temperature Fuel Cells: Dependence of the Catalytic Activity on Particle Size for Pt and PtRu Alloy Catalysts
Christina Bock, PhD, Research Officer, Electrochemical Technology Group, Institute for Chemical Process and Environmental Technology, National Research Council of Canada, Canada*
The use of supported nano-sized Pt based catalyst particles has led to significant advances of low temperature fuel cells. As the particle size decreases, the ratio of surface vs. bulk atoms increases and the intrinsic catalytic behaviour of nano-particles differs from the corresponding bulk catalysts. This work discusses the influence of the particle size of Pt and PtRu alloy nano-catalysts on the CH₃OH and CO oxidation activity. The effect of the particle stabilizer and substrate will also be considered. The PtRu alloy nano-particles are prepared using a novel synthesis method that allows size control, while the alloy composition remains constant.
*In collaboration with: B.MacDougall, NRC Canada

3:30 Refreshment Break, Exhibit/Poster Viewing

4:00 Supported Mixed Metal Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrocatalytic Properties for Fuel Cells Electrodes
Kwong-Yu Chan, PhD, Professor, Dept of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Controlling precious metal catalyst at the nanoparticle to maximize fuel-cell electrode performance will be discussed. The issues include:
(1) utilization of platinum nanoparticles;
(2) stability of their morphology;
(3) structure of nanoparticles; and
(4) electrocatalysis for oxidation of different fuels. Synthesis, internal structure, porosity, and the role of the support such as highly ordered mesoporous nanostructures will also be discussed. The metal catalysts include platinum, platinum-cobalt, and platinum-ruthenium nanoparticles synthesized by a water-in-oil microemulsion technique and a non-aqueous ethylene glycol technique. Results of TEM, electron and X-ray diffraction, BET surface area and porosity studies will be presented, as well as electrocatalytic properties of these mixed metal nanoparticles supported on carbon electrodes for direct methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction.

4:30 High Performance Nanoporous SiC-Based Materials for Reaction-Based Microsystems
John T. Wolan, PhD, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of South Florida*
Nanoporous SiC-based microchemical systems can exploit extreme temperatures and very short residence times to facilitate unique chemical/electrical processes. Applications include microfuel converters for partial oxidation reactors, fuel cells, portable decontamination, biodiagnostics and gas sensing devices. The robust nanoporous silicon carbide structure allows high levels of catalytic surface area in a very small form-factor. Coupled with excellent thermal properties, higher efficiency, electro-chemical activity and power densities than Si-based designs will result.
*In Collaboration with: J.G.Pope, A.C.Aral, and S.E.Saddow, University of South Florida

5:00 End of Day One

Monday, November 10, 2003

7:30 Exhibit/Poster Viewing, Coffee and Pastries

7:55 Chairperson's Remarks
Sanjeev Mukerjee, PhD, Professor, Dept of Chemistry and Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Lab, Northeastern University

8:00 Applications of Nanoscale Materials in Fuel Cells
Scott L. Swartz, PhD, Director of Technology, NexTech Materials, Ltd.*
Nanoscale materials have a number of potential uses in development of fuel cells. NexTech Materials has developed a full line of ceramic materials for fuel cells, many of which involve nanoscale materials, either as a product (i.e., catalysts for fuel processors) or as precursors to value-added products or processes (i.e., co-sintering processes for thin-film electrolyte SOFCs, cathodes and anodes for SOFCs, and/or sensors for fuel cell systems). The effective use of nanoscale materials in fuel cells requires a focus on low-cost raw materials and processes, an understanding of application-specific requirements of their use, and ability to tailor the material for a specific purpose. This presentation will provide an overview of NexTech�s nanoscale materials and fuel cell technology, with an emphasis on the rational use of nanoscale materials in fuel cell applications.
*In collaboration with: M.M.Seabaugh, NexTech Materials, Ltd.

8:30 Efficient Manufacture of Low Cost Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Altair Nanomaterials
Rudi E. Moerck, PhD, President, Altair Nanotechnologies
Altair Nanotechnologies has developed a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) constructed entirely from nano-sized ceramic materials. All components used in the SOFC are produced by Altair�s patented proprietary "growth-in-film" technology. By tailoring the crystal size, crystal maturity, and composition of all the nano-sized ceramics used in each component of the SOFC, the Altair method of manufacture achieves fabrication of the entire structure in the "green" state, requiring only one high-temperature firing to yield a fuel cell. A working SOFC was built and operated to prove the concept.

9:00 Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Produced via Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition
Andrew T. Hunt, CEO, MicroCoating Technologies, Inc.
The open-atmosphere, low-cost combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) technology offers an attractive alternative to produce the anode and the cathode layer for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, SOFC's that operate at intermediate temperatures (500-800ï��C). This technology offers the advantage of a one-step process starting from solution and depositing columnar structures of the anode and cathode directly onto the electrolyte. MCT has demonstrated the viability of the CCVD process to deposit a high surface area and controlled porosity, high-sulfur tolerant anode Cu-(Ce_0.8Sm_0.2)0_1.9 (Cu-SDC) and a high performance cathode Sr_0.5Sm_0.5CoO₃ (SSC) on a highly conductive Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9 (SDC) electrolyte. The electrochemical characterizations of MCT's fabricated SOFC, conducted at 600ï��C for H₂, CH₄, and C₃H₈, resulted in power densities greater than 800, 500 and 70 mW/cm², respectively.

9:30 Refreshment Break, Exhibit/Poster Viewing

10:00 Fuel Cell vs. Battery: The Compact Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Advantage
Keith A. Blakely, CEO, NanoDynamics, Inc.
Achieving exceptional performance in a novel solid oxide fuel cell has been achieved using a combination of technology advancements including nanomaterials. The use of these high performance materials in fuel reforming, electrode and electrolyte fabrication, current collection, and heat management will be discussed. The resulting operating temperatures, power density, fuel efficiency, and volumetric considerations of NanoDynamics ND-100 SOFC for portable power applications will be compared to battery technology.

10:30 Fullerene Nanofibers as Potential Materials for Fuel Cell Electrodes
Kun'ichi Miyazawa, PhD, Senior Researcher - Ecodevice Group, Ecomaterials Center, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan*
Fullerene nanofibers are the nanoscale fibers that consist of fullerene molecules such as C₆₀, C₇₀ and organic derivatives of fullerene molecules, and can be fabricated by the liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation method. The C₆₀ and C₇₀ nanofibers have a high thermal stability and become very porous by a suitable heat treatment. It is expected that the fullerene nanofibers can be used as catalyst carriers for fuel cell electrodes. This paper discusses their properties and potential applicability for the fuel cells devices.
*In collaboration with: C.Nishimura, T.Mori, NIMS; M.Fujino, T.Suga, University of Tokyo

11:00 Zeolite Nanocomposite Membranes and Carbon Nanotube Based Electrodes for Fuel Cells
Yushan Yan, PhD, Associate Professor, Dept of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside
� Incorporation of organic functionalized zeolite nanoparticles in the Nafion� reduces methanol crossover to half of the commercial thermally processed Nafion� while also improving the proton conductivity at high temperature
� Carbon nanotube based electrodes were designed to potentially increase Pt utilization
This paper will discuss our recent progress in these studies.

11:30 Open Discussion

Facilitator - Sanjeev Mukerjee

11:45 Luncheon Sponsored by The Knowledge Foundation

12:55 Chairperson's Remarks
John T. Wolan, PhD, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of South Florida

1:00 Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Fuel Cell Technologies
Benoit Simard, PhD, Senior Research Officer, Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Canada
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes may become of strategic value for the next generation of fuel cells by 1) allowing efficient and convenient storage of hydrogen, 2) yielding more efficient membrane electrodes assemblies (MEA's), and 3) yielding better bipolar plates. Our current work focuses on the former two points, which will be reviewed and completed with our most recent results.

1:30 Transport Phenomenon in New Class of Proton Exchange Membranes Designed for Elevated Temperature Operation
Sanjeev Mukerjee, PhD, Professor, Dept of Chemistry and Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Lab, Northeastern University
The current state of the art PEM fuel cells are based on perfluorinated membrane (Nafionï�� analogs) technology with an operational temperature limit of 80 to 90ï��C, with concomitant problems of CO tolerance and system integration. These issues are largely mitigated by elevated temperature operation, in the range of 120 to 140ï��C. This transition to elevated temperatures for aqueous based membranes is however a serious technical challenge with requirements for higher thermochemical stability, and the ability to conduct protons and reactants (O₂ permeation) at lower relative humidity. This presentation will provide some insight on transport (both proton and reactants) issues in new membranes under investigation which includes poly arylene ether sulfones (both pre and post sulfonated analogs) and poly phenylene sulfide sulfones.

2:00 Proton Exchange Membrane with Nano-Size Proton Conductor for DMFCs
Haekyoung Kim, PhD, Research Staff, Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, Korea
In the course of development of DMFC for portable electronic devices such as notebook PC and PDA the polymer electrolyte should have high ionic conductivity and low fuel permeability. Nanostructured materials with high ionic conductivity should be used in such polymer electrolyte membrane. Inorganic nanomaterials should have stability and show the electrochemical performance for DMFC applications. In this presentation, results of development and study of different kinds of such nanomaterials will be reviewed and their properties, performance and potential applications in fuel cell systems will be discussed.

2:30 Refreshment Break, Exhibit/Poster Viewing

2:45 Organic Membranes for Fuel Cells: Current Situation and Perspectives of Development
Michel Pinéri, Scientific Advisor, Direction of New Technologies for Energy, Atomic Energy Commission, France
Membranes for "polymer electrolyte fuel cells" are the key materials for development of this technology, both in terms of performances and cost. Currently used materials such as perfluorinated membranes do not meet the requirements in terms of cost, high temperature performances and methanol permeability. New materials with new organic structures (PEEK, polyphosphazenes, polyamides, polysulfones, etc.) are currently being developed as well as composite materials using microporous structures or minerals additives aimed at saving the water content at high temperatures to meet the conductivity requirements. An up-to-date status of membrane development and its perspectives will be outlined in this presentation.

3:15 Electrodeposited Nano- and Microstructures for Microfabricated Fuel Cells
Michael Gertner, MD, President, Nanomedical Technologies, Inc.
Portable electronics industry demands the ability to directly microfabricate fuel cells so that they can be easily and inexpensively incorporated into integrated circuits. Electro- and/or electroless deposition offers the ability to "co-deposit" hydrogen storage materials with electrode materials and even with polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs). Electrochemical deposition allows: (1) micrometer scale control over the structure of the deposited materials; (2) materials such as nickel to be deposited in such a way as to have a porosity which allows for control over the rates of hydrogen charging and discharging; (3) the unique ability to coat and/or form high aspect ratio nano- and microstructures (electroless in particular); and (4) low temperature "co-deposition" of organic materials allow for "doping" of the films to tailor them for specific properties. Abilities, potential, and technical challenges for the various electrodeposited nano- and microstructured materials and combinations thereof will be discussed.

3:45 Selected Oral Poster Presentations/Concluding Discussion

4:15 End of Conference