Optimizing design of catalyst layer structure with carbon-supported platinum weight ratio mixing method for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Junghyun Park, Obeen Kwon, Hyoun-Myoung Oh, Seokhun Jeong, Yoonho So, Gyutae Park, Hojae Jang, Seonghyeon Yang, Jiwon Baek, Gyuhyeon Kim and Taehyun Park

Energy, 2024, vol. 291, issue C

Abstract: The design of catalyst structure of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) functions a crucial role in water and reactants transport. In this work, catalyst layer is designed to mixing strategy of commercial Pt/C catalysts with various weight ratios (20 wt%, 40 wt%, and 20 + 40 wt%). Our mixing strategy demonstrates beneficial effects for optimized catalyst structure, leading to improved electrochemical performance and durability. Mix weight ratio Pt/C (as we abbreviated 20 + 40 wt% to Mix wt%) confirmed the optimized morphology through physical characterization and verified through electrochemical characterization under varying relative humidity (RH) conditions. Remarkably, Mix wt% Pt/C showed the highest electrochemical performance at 40–120 % RH, with a maximum power density elevation of ∼42 % and charge transfer resistance improvement of ∼40 % under low humidity conditions. This enhancement can be attributed to the improved mass transport resulting from increased pore size and reduced distortion in transport pathways. Additionally, we performed a 5,000 cycle accelerated stress test (AST), demonstrating enhanced durability in Mix wt% Pt/C. Our strategy provides a reproducible and simplified process to achieve higher fuel efficiency. Moreover, we anticipate that this offers the potential to enhance both performance and durability in commercial PEMFC applications.

Keywords: Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Pt/C weight ratio; Oxygen transport; Water management; Durability of catalyst (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:291:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224001348

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.130363

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