Cabot and partners selected for US$5 mn grant for carbon catalysts for fuel cells
Cabot Corporation has announced that the US Department of Energy (DOE), under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, selected its application for a US$5 million research grant. This grant will be used by Cabot and its partners in the deployment of a specialised carbon black process for catalyst support for fuel cells, which emit only water when creating electricity.
The transition to electric in the worldwide mobility landscape is significantly supported by fuel cells, especially in the electrification of long-distance transportation. This importance stems from the fact that the extended driving range and management of heavier loads necessary for long-haul travel present difficulties for the adoption of battery technology.
The project will focus on developing an innovative and scalable manufacturing process for producing specialised carbon black that can be used as carbon catalyst supports for fuel cells. This technology will support and accelerate the establishment of a domestic catalyst supply chain, by providing a reliable source of high-performance carbon catalyst support.
Cabot is the lead recipient on the project titled, “Scalable, Innovative Manufacturing Process for Novel Carbon Supports for Metal Catalysts for Medium and Heavy-Duty Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.”
Building on Cabot’s strengths in carbon black particle production and engineering, especially in developing and commercialising carbon catalyst supports for fuel cells, this project will be deployed through collaborative research with Johnson Matthey, a leading manufacturer of catalysts and associated assemblies as well as Bosch, a leading fuel cell stack manufacturer and the University of California, Irvine, a leading research university in fuel cell technology.
This project is poised to revolutionise the production of carbon catalyst supports essential for medium and heavy-duty fuel cells, aiming for a more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing process. By developing a scalable and innovative manufacturing process, the project seeks to achieve high catalyst performance while optimizing the production process to increase process versatility, reduce production cost and minimise environmental impact.
“This DOE grant is not only a testament to our innovative capabilities but also aligns with our purpose to create materials that enable a more sustainable future. Through projects like this, Cabot is taking a leadership role in the evolution towards a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape,” said Patricia Hubbard, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Cabot Corporation. “By developing this technology, we aim to strengthen and accelerate the establishment of a domestic fuel cell catalyst supply chain to help ensure a reliable source of high-performance carbon catalyst support. By collaborating with esteemed partners and leveraging our collective expertise, we are poised to make significant contributions to the hydrogen economy, driving forward the United States’ leadership in clean energy technologies.”
The grant funding of US$750 million for projects focused on enhancing hydrogen technologies, announced under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by the DOE, is dedicated to improving manufacturing and recycling capabilities for clean hydrogen systems and components.
This investment aligns with the national clean hydrogen strategy detailed in the US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, which aims to lower costs, boost manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and support domestic employment in the clean hydrogen sector.