Next generation nanomaterials for high performance fuel cell electrodes.

1. Context: Decarbonisation of transportation is a goal to which many companies and countries are moving towards. One method this can be achieved is by the implementation of new fuel sources. One such example is using fuel cells and hydrogen-based fuels to generate electricity. Current fuel cells have issues surrounding efficiency, this can be solved by increasing the surface area of the electrodes by applying nano-structured metals for reactions to occur on.

2. Aim: To develop nanostructured metals which can be grown on electrodes using electrochemical techniques to increase the surface areas. To implement these electrodes into a fuel cell system and study its performance. To test the reactions expected within a fuel cell with these adapted electrodes. 3. Objectives:

- To use previously formulated and develop nano-structured metals for application onto electrodes. - To test and apply the nano-structured metals on electrodes with reactions known to take place within fuel cells.

- To implement these nano-structured metals onto fuel cell electrodes and test the materials within a working fuel cell system.

4. Potential applications of research: To improve the efficiencies in fuel cells which may lead to their implementation in sustainable vehicles and decarbonisation of the transport systems.

5. Benefit of research: This research will benefit sustainability goals by improving clean energy which corresponds to goal number 7 for the UN sustainable development goals. 6. This research is therefore relevant to the goals of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

7. The second supervisor, Tom Fletcher, has expertise in fuel cells which will be needed when assembling the electrodes in a fuel cell system and running reactions common in fuel cells.