Zenyatta and Ballard Start Fuel Cell Project with Albany Graphite

Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (TSXV:ZEN) announced that it’s initiated a project with Ballard Power Systems Inc. (TSX:BLD,NASDAQ:BLDP) regarding the use of high-purity Albany graphite in the membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell.
As quoted in the press release:

In a news release dated 12 August 2015, Zenyatta announced testing results by Ballard that samples of Albany graphite demonstrated high thermal and corrosion resistance properties.  A first step screening process on Albany graphite material confirmed its suitability for use in the bipolar plate (“BPP”) and gas diffusion layer (“GDL”) for fuel cells. High thermal stability and corrosion resistance is critical in the performance of these components in fuel cells.
The current project phase will advance our collaboration to the next level through evaluation of the Albany graphite material in sub-components of fuel cells, including performance and manufacturability in established Ballard processes.
Ballard will develop prototype components for both cathode and anode GDLs incorporating Zenyatta material and evaluate the layer function for optimal water management and gas diffusion properties. Ballard will provide a detailed technical report including evaluation and analysis of the material compared against commercial designs.

The main objectives of the project are as follows:

• Incorporate Albany graphite in the gas diffusion layer (“GDL”) components of a fuel cell; • Evaluate the Albany graphite material in Ballard manufacturing processes;
• Evaluate performance of Albany graphite in anode  & cathode GDL designs and compare against existing available commercial materials;

Dr. Bharat Chahar, vice president, market development, at Zenyatta, commented:

This is the next major step in qualifying Zenyatta graphite in a high growth and high value application.  We are extremely pleased to be working with a world fuel cell leader like Ballard on use of our graphite for this cleantech market.

Click here to read the full Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (TSXV:ZEN) press release.