Fuel cells based on bio-based raw materials - what is feasible so far?

 
The fuel cell makes a contribution to decentralised and individually controllable energy supply. Due to the efficient and pollutant-free conversion of the energy carrier used, hydrogen, this technology has the potential to advance the energy transition. The low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (NT-PEM) fuel cell is ideal for both stationary and mobile use due to its low operating temperatures and superiority in discontinuous operation. Thermoplastics can be used as the material for the central components of fuel cells (bipolar half-plates), with the advantage that components can do without cost-intensive coatings due to low-cost manufacturing processes and excellent corrosion resistance. As part of the public funding program "Leittechnologie Energiewende", the overall project ""bio-based fuel cells"" is researching the use of bio-based raw materials in the area of polymer-based bipolar half- plates, end plates and adhesives. This approach to energy storage, which is also consistently sustainable in the choice of materials, is completely new. A wide variety of industries will thus benefit from the results of this overall project, as both material and production and application aspects are considered. This includes the complete supply chain from the raw material and component supplier to the ""stationary"" or ""mobile"" user. In the presentation, the various results available so far on the use of bio-based raw materials for the different components after one year of project runtime will be discussed. The focus is on the status of the adhesive solutions developed and the comparison to petroleum-based adhesives available so far.