Component Optimization for Catalyst Layers in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been recognized as a promising energy conversion solution. The biggest challenges for the commercialization of PEMFCs are cost and durability. Although many efforts have been made on catalysts, the performance and durability of the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) still cannot fully meet the targets established by the U.S. Department of Energy. Optimizing the catalyst layer to maximize the utilization of catalysts is a quite practical issue. In this paper, we reviewed the most recent advances on the component optimization for catalyst layers, including support materials, ionomers, and solvents. Based on the reaction mechanism on the three-phase boundary, enhancing the intrinsic properties of each component and optimizing their interactions can attribute a lot to the performance and durability of PEMFCs.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs): Advances and Challenges

“…New electrocatalytic nanomaterials, such as metals, metal oxides, and non-metals have been widely synthesized in different media, focusing on understanding how to control the geometric shape, sizes, composition, architecture, and micro-/nanostructures. They provide an effective strategy to control their reactivity and catalytic properties for their applications as electrode materials in electrochemical reactions, in electrical energy storage devices, and in fuel cells [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. Doping or coupling another metal to form an alloy could reconstruct the catalyst surface state, which could change the binding energy of intermediates on the surface during the reaction [ 40 , 41 ].…”