Open Competition 2 - Chemistry and Materials

Hydrogen Generator for a Miniature Fuel-Cell Power Source

Sponsor: Motorola, Inc., Motorola Labs

• Project Performance Period: 8/1/2003 - 7/31/2007
• Total project (est.): $4,732,207.00
• Requested ATP funds: $2,318,781.00

Users of portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and laptop computers, often are frustrated by the short life of the batteries and the hours of recharging they require. Depending on the fuel source, miniature fuel cells potentially have 5 to 10 times the operating life of lithium ion batteries, and recharging could be as simple as replacing a fuel cartridge. Their high energy density could make it possible to design smaller, lighter power sources and portable electronic devices. The use of hydrogen as a fuel gives distinct performance advantages over methanol, the fuel of choice for most fuel cell-based, portable electronic devices. In comparison with methanol-fueled systems, the proposed miniaturized reactor-reformer for generating hydrogen will allow more compact power sources and a greater power range. In a joint venture, Motorola and Engelhard propose to develop a miniature fuel-cell power source that uses a catalytic microchannel reactor for methanol steam reforming (MSR) to generate hydrogen. The MSR catalyst will be designed to operate at low temperatures (190 °C to 290 °C) and to eliminate a problem that plagues current copper and zinc oxide steam-reforming catalysts - deactivation when exposed to water and air. Motorola will lead this three-year project and develop a miniature ceramic reformer. Engelhard will head the search for an improved and practical MSR catalyst. The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI), a subcontractor, will investigate their carbide and oxycarbide catalysts as MSR possibilities and model the chemical and physical processes occurring within the miniature reformer. This project has many technical challenges, but the key risks are in the development of a stable, active methanol reforming catalyst and in the associated development of a reliable catalytic mini-reformer operating at low temperatures (about 200 °C). The R&D entails much higher risk than either company normally accepts, but with ATP funding, each is willing to commit substantial funds. By bringing the three parties together, ATP funding accelerates the research and broadens its scope. A successful project would lead immediately to production of miniaturized hydrogen fuel-cell power sources for laptop computers, 2-way radios, and other portable electronics devices and would stimulate the use of fuel-cell power in general. Next-generation power sources could be developed for larger equipment such as lawnmowers, portable generators, and eventually automobiles. Because Asian countries currently dominate the production of lithium ion and nickel hydride batteries, successful development of this fuel-cell technology should improve the competitive position of the United States.

For project information:

Anne Stuessy, (847) 538-6192
Anne.Stuessy@motorola.com

Active Project Participants

• Engelhard Corporation (Iselin, NJ)
  [Original, Active Member]
  

ATP Project Manager

Jean-Louis Staudenmann, (301) 975-4866
jstaudenmann@nist.gov