The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the 2017 Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I Release 2 topics, including three subtopics focused on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The fuel cell subtopics include innovative materials for bipolar plates, liquid organic hydrogen carriers, and emergency hydrogen refuelers.

Specific topics are:

  • Innovative Materials and/or Technologies for Bipolar Plates for PEM Fuel Cell—This subtopic solicits applications that directly or indirectly address the cost and weight reduction of PEM fuel cell stacks. Applications should focus on innovative materials, manufacturing processes, and/or designs of bipolar plates. All proposed projects must demonstrate potential to meet or exceed DOE’s 2020 bipolar plate technical targets as well as the cost target of $3/kW.
  • Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC)—Applications are sought for the development and demonstration of a reversible LOHC that is non-toxic and enables hydrogen delivery to a refueling station or centralized terminal at <$5.00/kg, including the cost of the carrier itself, cost of the catalyst, and energy consumption associated with hydrogenation/dehydrogenation.
  • Emergency Hydrogen Refuelers—Applications are sought for the development of two types of emergency hydrogen refuelers:
    • Roadside assistance—portable emergency hydrogen refuelers to be carried on roadside assistance vehicles and capable of providing hydrogen to at least three stranded vehicles before needing to be recharged.
    • Personal devices—portable emergency hydrogen refuelers that can be carried onboard the fuel cell electric vehicle, such as in the trunk, easily handled by the driver, and able to provide hydrogen to at least one stranded vehicle.

The SBIR office is hosting a webinar to discuss FY17 Phase I Release 2 Topics on November 8, 2016, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Registration is required.

Learn more about the Energy Department's broader efforts to develop affordable, efficient fuel cell and hydrogen technologies on EERE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cells page.