Fuel Cell R & D in Australia:
Australia recently via the Australian National University (ANU) and Queensland University(QU) received an ARC grant for ~AUD$900,000 to develop Australia's own Membrane Electrode Assembly(MEA),using our own catalysts and membranes.This is a significant step for Australia albeit a small one, for we have significant supporting organisations to aid in the development of an Australian fuel cell unit.
Nanotechnology is crucial in fuel cell R&D, for new low cost super efficient materials will invariably be nano-engineeried. In Australia we have the Australian Nanotechnology Network http://ausnano.net/ . Further to this Australia has several major universities currently researching functional nano-materials for fuel cells.The University of Queensland http://www.chemistry.uq.edu.au/nbc/index.shtml and NanoMaterials Centre http://www.uq.edu.au/departments/unit.html?unit=697 Most nanotechnology associates ,groups and individuals can be traced from the above information;Other universities being Australian National University (ANU) and University of NSW (UNSW).Over the next three(3) years to year 2007 ending, it is expected that some significant results will be displayed regarding organic membranes, glass-ceramic membranes, with a variety of improvements in nano-engineered catalysts, non-platinum catalysts and improved MEA power densities. Regarding the S.O.F.C. fuel cell, it is expected that power densities be doubled by year 2006 along with the lowering of operating temperatures(600-700degC) and improved stability.
Enabling technologies like hydrogen storage as well should be undertaken, for Australia has a lot to gain from such breakthroughs. The solid state storage of hydrogen is an area where new superior nano-engineered materials are imperative, as this is as well progressing in the world. The PEMFC fuel cell will be <US$400kW within two(2) years as per the US DoE.
The market to year 2010 in the US alone is "tipped" at US$1b,and globally by year 2013 between US$13-18b,with up to 200m fuel cell units sold.Coopers Lybrand of the US have estimated the Hydrogen Economy by year 2020 annually, at ~US$2Trillion;I believe that figure to be conservative in nature.The mass production of the fuel cell vehicle I believe will go ahead by GM(US) in year 2010,emulating the parallel to the pre-space era culmination of 1969.
2006.The FCIA is seeking the development of a sodium borohydrideaq /hydrogen peroxideaq fuel cell battery arrangement, for portable to larger high power supply situation, and fast recharge.
CONTACT: FCIA@Hydrogen.id.au