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PLATINUM AND FUEL CELLS
Citation:
Spiegel*, R J. PLATINUM AND FUEL CELLS. doi:10.1016/j.trd.20, K. Button (ed.), TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D. Elsevier Science BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 9(5):357-371, (2004).
Impact/Purpose:
to publish information
Description:
Platinum requirements for fuel cell vehicles (FCVS) have been identified as a concern and possible problem with FCV market penetration. Platinum is a necessary component of the electrodes of fuel cell engines that power the vehicles. The platinum is deposited on porous electrodes, where it serves as the electrocatalyst to promote the rate of electrochemical reactions required to encourage H2 to release electrons and become H2 ions. Because there could be potentially millions of FCVs added to the U.S. fleet in the next 30 or so years, the availability of platinum as a limited global commodity could be an issue. Although this paper only considers the U.S. market, some comments are provided regarding the world situation. Using projected U.S. market penetration of FCVS out to the years 2030 and 2035, as based on DOE's Office of Transportation Technologies Vehicle Size/Consumer Choice (VSCC) model and Argonne National Laboratory's All Modular Industry Growth Assessment (AMIGA) model, respectively, the yearly platinum requirements for different scenarios were estimated. Sales of FCVs for the various scenarios yielded peak U.S. platinum consumed at levels ranging from 60 to 200 Mg/year. Except for the most aggressive market penetration cases (those with the fastest and largest ramp-up of FCV sales) estimated yearly platinum demand does not appear to be a limiting factor for long-term sales of FCVs. In all cases, yearly demand was small in regard to total world reserves.
