Polka – Characterization of interconnecting porous carbon fiber cathodes for application in platinum-free high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Project Overview:

The "Polka" project is a collaborative research initiative funded under the German Aviation Research Programme (LuFo Klima VII-1) within the funding line "Disruptive Technologies for Climate-Neutral Aviation".

The primary objective of the project is to significantly reduce the production costs of High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (HT-PEMFCs) by substituting expensive platinum cathodes with innovative, platinum-free alternatives. HT-PEMFCs represent a crucial key technology for the long-term transition towards climate-neutral aviation due to their superior efficiency, improved tolerance to impurities, and simplified cooling requirements.

Project Duration:

01.01.2026 – 31.12.2028 (36 months)

Research Content & Focus:

The project focuses on the development, functionalization, and comprehensive analysis of novel cathode structures made of interconnecting porous carbon fibers (pCF) that act as both a gas-permeable medium and a catalytically active material.

Partners & Cooperation
 

Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden):

Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK)
Institute of Process Engineering and Environmental Technology (IVU)