High performance PEM fuel cell catalyst layers with hydrophobic channels

Avcioglu G. S., FIÇICILAR B., BAYRAKÇEKEN YURTCAN A., Eroglu I.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY, cilt.40, sa.24, ss.7720-7731, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 40 Sayı: 24
  • Basım Tarihi: 2015
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.02.004
  • Dergi Adı: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.7720-7731
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: PEM fuel cell, Water management, Two-phase flow, Catalyst layer, Hydrophobic channel, GAS-DIFFUSION LAYER, MICRO-POROUS LAYER, WATER MANAGEMENT, EXCHANGE MEMBRANE, MICROPOROUS LAYER, FLOW-FIELD, THERMAL-STABILITY, PT/C CATALYSTS, SURFACE-AREA, CARBON
  • Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance has been enhanced with efficient water management by modification of the structure of the catalyst layer. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was added to the catalyst layer structure by using two-step catalyst ink preparation method. Physical and electrochemical characterization of catalyst layers with hydrophobic nanoparticles were investigated via TGA-DTA, XRD, nitrogen physisorption, SEM, TEM, EDX analysis, and cyclic voltammetry technique. In addition, performance tests of MEAs were carried out. Catalyst layer structure after performance tests was observed by SEM analysis. Tubular open-ended mesopores have been constructed through the catalysts with hydrophobic nanoparticle addition. PTFE addition to the catalyst layer structure decreased both electrochemical surface area and Pt utilization. Mesoporous hydrophobic channels in the catalyst layer provided decreasing mass transport limitations at higher current densities, by this way, power density of Pt/C-Nafion/PTFE catalyst enhanced. It is concluded that mesoporous hydrophobic channels through the catalyst layer facilitate water removal. Copyright (c) 2015, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.