Date of Award
May 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Energy Engineering
First Advisor
Olusegun S. Tomomewo
Second Advisor
Daniel Laudal
Abstract
The transition to sustainable transportation is constrained by carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence. Hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs), particularly those utilizing platinum-based catalysts, offer high efficiency and suitability for long-range electric vehicles (EVs). However, the high cost and durability limitations of platinum catalysts remain major barriers to large-scale deployment.
This study integrates techno-economic analysis (TEA) with density functional theory (DFT) modeling to evaluate cost–performance trade-offs of platinum-based catalysts for long-range hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. DFT simulations were conducted to assess platinum alloy compositions and oxygen reduction reaction activity. These performance metrics were incorporated into a MATLAB-based TEA framework to quantify lifecycle costs and assess sensitivity to platinum loading, alloy composition, and price variability.
The analysis identifies platinum price, catalyst loading, and durability as dominant cost drivers. Results indicate that optimized platinum-alloy compositions can reduce catalyst cost while maintaining electrochemical performance, improving the economic feasibility of long-range HFCVs. The integrated DFT–TEA framework provides a quantitative basis for catalyst optimization and system-level economic evaluation in automotive hydrogen fuel cell deployment.
Recommended Citation
Yap, Thomas Cheekwang, "Techno-Economic Analysis And Density Functional Theory Modeling Of Hydrogen Fuel Cells With Platinum-Based Catalysts For Effective Deployment In Long-Range Electric Vehicles" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 13989.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/13989