Effect of Double-Sided 3D Patterned Cathode Catalyst Layers on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Performance

Taehyoung Noh, Kayoung Park, Ruijing Gao, Naoki Kimura, Gen Inoue and Yoshifumi Tsuge
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Taehyoung Noh: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Kayoung Park: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Ruijing Gao: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Naoki Kimura: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Gen Inoue: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
Yoshifumi Tsuge: Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: Optimization of the structure of cathode catalyst layers (CCLs) for promoting the transfer of reactants and products in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is important for improving the cell performance. In this study, using theoretical equations, we confirmed that the shortened proton conduction path in the ionomer layer (IL) with a 3D-patterned structure, compared to that in the IL with a flat-patterned structure, can improve the cell performance. We experimentally investigated the effect of the IL with a 3D-patterned structure included in the CCLs on the cell performance. Based on the combination of the flat- or 3D-pattern of the IL and the catalyst layer (CL), the samples were categorized as Str. 1 (3D-patterned CL without IL), Str. 2 (flat-patterned IL and CL), Str. 3 (3D-patterned IL and flat-patterned CL), and Str. 4 (3D-patterned IL and CL). All of the samples had different morphologies. According to the I–V curves and impedance spectra data acquired at 80 °C and 40% relative humidity, Str. 4 showed superior cell performance relative to those of the other CCLs. These results indicate that the structure of Str. 4 enhanced the proton conductivity at a low humidity at which proton conduction is usually poor, thereby resulting in improved cell performance.

Keywords: polymer electrolyte fuel cells; catalyst layer; 3D pattern; inkjet printing; structure design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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