Elucidating the role of anion-exchange ionomer conductivity within the cathode catalytic layer of anion-exchange membrane fuel cells

Anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers and fuel cells

“…Based on this, Dekel et al employed computational methodology to elucidate the role of the ionomer on the cathode side for AEMFCs. 178 To make a reliable comparison, the cell configurations and specific operational parameters, including temperature (60 1C), working current density (0.6 A cm À2 ), catalyst loading (0.5 mg Pt cm À2 ), catalyst layer thickness (10 mm), membrane thickness (15 mm), etc., were considered. In this case, the cell was modeled under the above conditions, and the voltage loss as a function of the x position in the membrane electrode assembly is presented in Fig.…”

“…[179][180][181][182][183][184] One should note that the overpotential loss associated with oxygen electrocatalysis dominates the overall overpotential of the cell, as has been increasingly demonstrated in AEMWEs and AEMFCs. 178,[184][185][186] To attain superior cell performance and durability, simultaneously studying and/or modeling the anode and cathode ionomers from the viewpoint of the whole cell need more research. To this end, an optimal ionomer design concept for high-performance AEMFCs and AEMWEs is discussed in Fig.…”

Impact of the Relative Humidity on the Performance Stability of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Studied by Ion Chromatography

“…The results at different times of operation show a reduction in the local IEC values in the cathode CL and in the membrane close to the cathode catalyst layer. This reduction indicates a degradation of the ionomeric materials, which is based on lower hydration levels at the cathode and causes performance decay over time, as previously discussed. ,,,, Thus, cathode ionomer and membrane degradation might be the reason for the observed degradation products in IC analysis. Back diffusion of water from the anode to cathode might compensate for low hydration levels at the cathode, but even for high water diffusivity values, lower hydration levels were observed at the cathode. ,,, Change in the anode catalyst to a PtRu material as carried out in recent AEMFC studies might improve the water level at the cathode due to the enhanced kinetics of the hydrogen oxidation reaction and thus produce more water that can diffuse to the cathode. , Also, the volumes of sampled exhaust water differ between the anode and the cathode side (Tables S3–S6).…”

“…This reduction indicates a degradation of the ionomeric materials, which is based on lower hydration levels at the cathode and causes performance decay over time, as previously discussed. 23,24,40,49,50 Thus, cathode ionomer and membrane degradation might be the reason for the observed degradation products in IC analysis. Back diffusion of water from the anode to cathode might compensate for low hydration levels at the cathode, but even for high water diffusivity values, lower hydration levels were observed at the cathode.…”

Challenges and Strategies of Anion Exchange Membranes in Hydrogen‐electricity Energy Conversion Devices

“…Yassin indicate anion‐exchange ionomer with high IEC values play a positive role in cathode catalytic layer of AEMFC via computational analysis. The underlying reason for the reduction of overpotential (by almost 80 mV) due to improved ionic conductivity concerns higher hydration levels in catalytic layer [191] . Efficient water dispersion and ionic conductivity facilitate catalytic utilization and reaction distribution throughout catalytic layer.…”