Flowing electrolyte-direct methanol fuel cell (FE-DMFC) is a novel energy technology in which the performance of the conventional DMFC is increased by eliminating the methanol crossover problem. There are some studies found in the literature to predict the performance of this fuel cell using one and two-dimensional single phase models. The validation of these models was done using the experimental test results for the membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) built with conventional materials. In this project, the main objective is to develop a high performance FE-DMFC stack through modeling and experimental studies. For this purpose, a three-dimensional and two-phase multiphysics model, which includes all the transport phenomena in all the layers, will be developed to predict the performance of the FE-DMFC stack accurately. To validate this model, a FE-DMFC stack based on alternative MEA materials (i.e. materials having lower cost, and higher stability and reaction kinetics) will be manufactured in-house in cooperation with the partner organization in Europe. After validating this model, the effect of significant design and operating parameters of the stack on the output parameters will be investigated; thus the parameters that increase the performance of this fuel cell mostly will be determined. This project will have have a very positive impact in Dr. Colpan's career as it will help him to develop lasting integration with his institution and increase his network in Europe. The knowledge and results gained as a result of the research conducted during this project will be shared with other researchers, scientists, and general public through several activities (e.g. conference, seminar, and papers in the journals, webpage, and visiting schools). It is expected that the results of this project will make a significant progress toward commercialization of the FE-DMFC, which in turn contributes to the economy and social prosperity of European society.

Turkey is part of Single Market since 1995 with her access to free movement of some goods via her membership to the EU - Turkey Customs Union. Turkish partnership to EU is of vital importance for both parties and provide benefits for both customers and producers. Close scrutiny and full compliance with EU norms as well as regulatory framework will guarantee sustainability of Turkish EU partnership. Thus, understanding and adapting EU approach to sustainability and circular economy must be at first place for Turkey. Since early 2000s, EU has led the global redesign to achieve a sustainable world economy with her high reliance on sustainable development strategies. This paradigmal change renders EU with an economy model that is circular, green and sustainable to achieve greener, smarter, stronger EU, with an overarching target of ‘zero carbon emissions by 2050’. Single Market is one of the best tools for driving this transition to circular economy. New Circular Economy Action Plan, proposed by European Commission in 2020, designed several initiatives to promote circular economy process in production and ensure sustainable patterns of consumption. The module on Sustainable Single Market is based on lecture series and case discussions aiming to provide a general overview of the action plan and to contribute to its implementation in Turkey under Chapter 27. The project aims to familiarise the participants with EU’s environmental policy, and its applications in the European Single Market. The module aims to (1) raise awareness on New Circular Economy Action Plan of the EU, (2) promote academic work on Sustainable Single Market, green production and consumption, (3) produce reference material and generate insights for civil society, local and state level policy makers.