Improving the cold-start capability of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) by using a dual-function micro-porous layer (MPL): Numerical simulations

A novel micro-porous layer (MPL) is designed to enhance the cold-start capability of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). The concept of designing an MPL is to expand the ice storage capacity of the electrode into the MPL region. We impose proton conduction capability and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetic activity on the MPL via controlling the platinum (Pt) loading, ionomer fraction and weight ratio of Pt to the carbon support (wt%Pt–C) of the MPL. Therefore, the MPL is dual-functional, and can work as a typical MPL for normal PEFC operations and as a part of the cathode catalyst layer (CL) for cold-start operations. Three-dimensional (3-D) cold-start simulations are carried out by using a 3-D cold-start model developed in a previous study [1]. The detailed simulation results clearly suggest that the cold-start operational time can be extended significantly using a dual-function MPL, and the extended time is directly proportional to the pore volume of the MPL for ice storage. This study provides a new strategy to enhance the cold-start capability of a PEFC by properly designing and optimizing the MPL.

► We studied the effects of a novel MPL design on PEFC cold start.
► The dual-function MPL works as typical MPL for normal PEFC operation.
► The dual-function MPL works as cathode CL for cold-start operation.
► The novel MPL increases ice storage capacity and cold-start operation time.