The University of Toronto conducted a successful, third-party evaluation of Altek Fuel Group Inc.'s (AFG) Gas Diffusion Electrode (GDE) and its Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) for PEM/Alkaline fuel cells to verify their performance and suitability for portable, residential and transportation applications. The conclusions confirmed that the GDEs and MEAs are ready for manufacturing. The project was done in conjunction with its affiliated research laboratory, in Toronto (1602635 Ontario Ltd.).
Project #: IN000000784 "Development of Commercial Gas Diffusion Electrodes and Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Fuel Cells", Date Completed: August 27, 2005.

This independent study, was conducted under a contract awarded by the Ontario Centre of Excellence and the Material Manufactures of Ontario., and was undertaken by the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry at the University of Toronto.

The results measured the performance of the GDEs and MEAs and provided some confirmation of the proprietary techniques undertaken by Altek in its manufacturing process. Further analysis showed a number of the advantages of the company methodology. The unique GDE/MEA design reduced the handling requirements in each stage of production. There was a uniformity of distribution of the catalyst on the GDE and the process was reproducible and fully scalable. It showed increased performance in real conditions due to the use of oxygen from the air and a very low pressure, very stable source of hydrogen. In addition, there was no need for an intermediary source for electrical collection. The MEA was durable and environmentally friendly.

These essential building blocks for fuel cells represent the last technological obstacles for commercialization. On a more technical note, the study concluded that the firm" has demonstrated a way to mass produce, reproducible, low-cost integrated structures with optimal porosity, hydrophilic and hydrophobic layering with encapsulated current collector in a low resistivity structure".

The overall results are quite impressive. Altek has reached specific power parameters that are at least 1.5 to 2. 0 times as high as the leading industry benchmarks. Furthermore, the maximum current density increased by 1.4 to 1.8 times the benchmarks, while the voltage capability has vaulted by a ratio of 1.65. These great enhancements have significantly expanded the potential for commercialization in the fuel cell industry.

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