The 2008 Gordon Research Conference on Fuel Cells will focus on the fundamental science of polymer electrolyte fuel cells for automotive, portable, and stationary power applications. Although the landscape is now replete with demonstration units and prototypes for various applications, fundamental limitations still exist in the basic technology that impede ubiquitous implementation. The focus of this conference will be to explore and debate these limitations and potential solutions. Where possible, speakers with differing viewpoints and pathways will be selected for presentation and discussion. Recent understanding of degradation mechanisms and the development of novel materials will be a major focus. Performance limitations from the nano-to-macro scale will also be covered, along with new solutions to diagnostic challenges. Structural design of the catalyst layer and membrane at the nano-scale holds much promise in achieving low cost, high performance robust fuel cell materials and will also be included.

A new feature of the 2008 conference will be the inclusion of speakers for a rapid presentation format session that will open the conference. Interesting, controversial, and novel findings of very recent discovery will be solicited in a brief presentation (3-5 slide) format, allowing broad participation from attendees and early discussion of important emerging issues.