The present work compares the potential environmental impact of two proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The two PEMFC stacks yield the same output power, even if they have a different electrocatalyst (EC) to promote the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The two investigated ECs are: (i) a state-of-the-art Pt/C EC; and (ii) an innovative hierarchical PtXn nanoalloy (X = Cu and/or Ni)/Carbon Nitride/Graphene “core–shell” EC, labelled hereinafter “PtXn-CN/Gr”. The latter is enabled by graphene and related materials (GRMs). The features of the PEMFC stacks in terms of functional components, operating conditions and performance are modeled on experimental results obtained from pilot devices. The contributions of the various functional components included in the PEMFC stacks (e.g., the ECs, the proton-exchange membrane and the gas-diffusion layers) are quantified explicitly. The potential impact categories results are investigated through (i) a Monte Carlo analysis, to determine their uncertainties, and (ii) a sensitivity analysis, to verify their relationship with the modelling parameters (e.g., the source of platinum and the scale of the synthetic process leading to the ECs). Finally, on the basis of the analysis of LCA results, a number of avenues are proposed to minimize the potential environmental impact of PEMFC systems.
A comparative life cycle assessment of Pt nanoalloy/carbon nitride/graphene electrocatalysts for PEMFC stacks
Paladin, Giovanna;Manzardo, Alessandro;Nale, Angeloclaudio;Negro, Enrico;Di Noto, Vito
2025
Abstract
The present work compares the potential environmental impact of two proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The two PEMFC stacks yield the same output power, even if they have a different electrocatalyst (EC) to promote the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The two investigated ECs are: (i) a state-of-the-art Pt/C EC; and (ii) an innovative hierarchical PtXn nanoalloy (X = Cu and/or Ni)/Carbon Nitride/Graphene “core–shell” EC, labelled hereinafter “PtXn-CN/Gr”. The latter is enabled by graphene and related materials (GRMs). The features of the PEMFC stacks in terms of functional components, operating conditions and performance are modeled on experimental results obtained from pilot devices. The contributions of the various functional components included in the PEMFC stacks (e.g., the ECs, the proton-exchange membrane and the gas-diffusion layers) are quantified explicitly. The potential impact categories results are investigated through (i) a Monte Carlo analysis, to determine their uncertainties, and (ii) a sensitivity analysis, to verify their relationship with the modelling parameters (e.g., the source of platinum and the scale of the synthetic process leading to the ECs). Finally, on the basis of the analysis of LCA results, a number of avenues are proposed to minimize the potential environmental impact of PEMFC systems.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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