Fuel Cells
The general goal is the design, operation and optimization of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Fuel Cells, Direct Ammonia Fuel Cells, Direct Alcohol Fuel cells (Methanol and Ethanol), Microbial fuel cells and Microbial Desalination Cells using both modelling and experimental approaches.
The main tasks under development are:
- Design and construction of PEM fuel cell stacks to power unnamed aerial vehicles (UAVs);
- Design and construction of AEM and Direct Ammonia Fuel Cells;
- Optimization of mini-Passive Direct Methanol Fuel Cells to power small portable devices;
- Optimization of Microbial Fuel Cells by articulating their power output and wastewater treatment ability, using synthetic and real winery and dairy wastewaters;
- Design and construction of Microbial Desalination Cells to produce fresh water;
- Testing alternative materials (different BPPs, GDLs, membranes and catalysts), as well as different fuel cell configurations to achieve higher performance and lower cost.
The research is carried out mainly under the Aero.Next Portugal project, Cross-Border Renewable Hydrogen Mobility Technology Corridor project, Photo-assisted production of green fuels based on ammonia project.
The major goal is to improve the performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of fuel cell systems by combining theoretical modelling with experimental studies. This result on the development of more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly technologies that can contribute to sustainable energy production, water treatment applications and freshwater production.