Superior MicroPowders Signs Subcontract Agreement with DuPont Fuel Cells in Support of $5 Million DOE Program

Business Wire, Jan 28, 2003

Business Editors/Technology Writers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 28, 2003

Superior MicroPowders, LLC (SMP) announced today that it has signed a subcontract agreement with DuPont Fuel Cells allowing the two parties to collaborate under SMP's recently awarded $5.12M program from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for fuel cell materials development.

SMP's DOE program focuses on the development of new low-platinum content electrocatalyst compositions and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cathode structures for PEM fuel cell applications.

The contract entitled "Development of Improved Ultra-low Pt PEMFC Cathode Structures Through an Integrated Powder-Discovery-Production Platform with Digital Layer Prototyping" will be performed by SMP as the prime contractor in collaboration with DuPont, CFD Research Corporation and leading fuel cell stack manufacturers.

Under this DOE program, SMP will utilize combinatorial discovery methods to develop advanced fuel cell electrocatalysts and MEAs. The approach is novel in that it allows for the rapid preparation of many different electrocatalysts, which vary in composition and microstructure. As a subcontractor, DuPont's effort is focused on the rapid screening of combinatorially discovered electrocatalysts and MEA cathode structures. CFD Research Corporation has the responsibility of modeling of the MEA structures. SMP has also enlisted leading automotive fuel cell stack manufacturers for evaluation of new low platinum MEAs fabricated with knowledge gained through these efforts.

Bob Size, SMP's President and CEO remarks, "This program represents a critical step in the march towards commercialization of PEM fuel cells. While fuel cell technology has been developing for several decades, cost has always been the factor limiting wide spread commercialization. SMP's DOE program attacks this cost issue head-on by developing next generation low cost MEAs through a strategic multi-pronged approach."

Superior MicroPowders is currently manufacturing fuel cell electrocatalysts and working with a host of leading fuel cell stack manufacturers worldwide. The execution of this DOE contract will significantly add to SMP's knowledge base in bringing to market next generation fuel cell material systems as fuel cells come to commercial fruition.

About Superior MicroPowders

Superior MicroPowders, LLC (SMP), established in 1997 and located in Albuquerque, NM, is an advanced materials developer and manufacturer servicing the following high growth markets:

Fuel Cells

-- Electrocatalysts

-- Electrodes and MEAs

-- Fuel Processing Materials

Electronics

-- Advanced Electronic Powders

-- Ultra-low Temperature Digitally Deposited Materials for

Polymer Electronics

Displays & Lighting

-- Advanced Luminescent Materials

SMP's historical foundation in fuel cell technology is advanced electrocatalyst powder manufacture. However, the company has evolved over time developing capabilities in additional energy materials systems such as fuel processing catalysts. In addition to competencies in materials technology, SMP has significant ongoing developmental efforts in the fields of MEA technology including electrode design and fabrication.