Course description
Techniques for Fuel Cell Characterisation
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Inspect and appraise the performance of fuel cells in terms of stability, power output, longevity.
- Combine already known electrochemical techniques (like cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronoamperometry electrochemically active catalyst surface area) with material characterisations to develop an understanding and be able to discuss the of degradation of various FC components and gain understanding of importance of life cycle studies and testing.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
In order to be accepted onto the Introduction to Techniques for Fuel Cell Characterisation, you must possess:
- A good 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent) in scientific subject or equivalent professional qualification
International Students
IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any band).
IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What will you receive?
Our Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology will allow you to focus on specific areas in order for you to develop your career in the way that you want to. Each course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge which will meet the needs of a wide range of learners and organisations.
- 10 UK Credits at Postgraduate level from University of Birmingham
- A Postgraduate Microcredential certificate from University of Birmingham
Certification of UoB academic credit for PG microcredential courses is through production of an official University of Birmingham Microcredential certificate and transcript managed by UoB Student Records.
The skills you will gain
- Inspect and appraise the performance of fuel cells in terms of stability, power output, longevity.
- Compare, differentiate and analyse area specific resistance, degradation mechanisms, gas delivery systems and interconnecting materials in SOFC using different techniques.
- Evaluate different material properties and requirements (morphology, conductivity, water retention etc) for conducting membranes, electrocatalysts, catalyst supports, and other PEMFC components by combining electrochemical and material characterisation.
Training Course Content
The module aims to develop an understanding of how the different measurement techniques can be applied for characterisation of various components of the PEMFC and SOFC especially in terms of materials used and evaluating them for use in fuel cells.It focuses on the application of various techniques that the students would already be aware of through the existing UG modules especially the measurement techniques module.
The course is sub-divided into two sections:
- PEMFC characterisation
- SOFC characterisatoin.
Material as well as surface characterisation of SOFC and PEMFC components using existing techniques, previously learned concepts (XRD, TGS, SEM, TEM, IR, NMR, AFM, XPS) to study composition and surface characteristics of various components (catalysts, supports, MEA, GDL, BBP) of fuel cells.
Course delivery details
Time commitment: 100 hours total commitment
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham has been challenging and developing great minds for more than a century. Characterised by a tradition of innovation, research at the University has broken new ground, pushed forward the boundaries of knowledge and made an impact...