Investigation of the dual-layered electrode composed of catalyst layers with different phase-separation levels for PEMFCs

Jung, Chang Young; Vahc, Zuh Youn; Kim, Tae Hyun; Yi, Sung Chul

doi:10.1016/j.electacta.2014.09.094

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…The dual catalyst layer coated MEA showed better cell performance at the high current density region than the monolayer MEA did, illustrating the need for porosity or mass transport in the outer layer. Jung et al [16] proposed an electrode composed of a highly phase-separated 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP)-based external layer and a lowly phase-separated glycerol-based inner layer. The proposed electrode resulted in increased cell performance in the high-current region.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effect of Stratification of Cathode Catalyst Layers on Durability of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

2021

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To decrease the cost of fuel cell manufacturing, the amount of platinum (Pt) in the catalyst layer needs to be reduced. In this study, ionomer gradient membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were designed to reduce Pt loading without sacrificing performance and lifetime. A two-layer stratification of the cathode was achieved with varying ratios of 28 wt. % ionomer in the inner layer, on the membrane, and 24 wt. % on the outer layer, coated onto the inner layer. To study the MEA performance, the electrochemical surface area (ECSA), polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) responses were evaluated under 20, 60, and 100% relative humidity (RH). The stratified MEA Pt loading was reduced by 12% while maintaining commercial equivalent performance. The optimal two-layer design was achieved when the Pt loading ratio between the layers was 1:6 (inner:outer layer). This MEA showed the highest ECSA and performance at 0.65 V with reduced mass transport losses. The integrity of stratified MEAs with lower Pt loading was evaluated with potential cycling and proved more durable than the monolayer MEA equivalent. The higher ionomer loading adjacent to the membrane and the bi-layer interface of the stratified catalyst layer (CL) increased moisture in the cathode CL, decreasing the degradation rate. Using ionomer stratification to decrease the Pt loading in an MEA yielded a better performance compared to the monolayer MEA design. This study, therefore, contributes to the development of more durable, cost-effective MEAs for low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is evident that gradual stratification of the CCL increases MEA performance [6,8,11,13,[15][16][17][18] by building the CL structure to consider mass movement, hydration, and access to active sites. This study investigates whether the durability of the MEA can be increased for the same considerations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%