Optimal catalyst layer structure of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

In a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, the structure and morphology of catalyst layers are important to reduce electrochemical resistance and thus obtain high single cell performance. In this study, the catalyst layers fabricated by two catalyst coating methods, spraying method and screen printing method, were characterized by the microscopic images of catalyst layer surface, pore distributions, and electrochemical performances to study the effective MEA fabrication process. For this purpose, a micro-porous layer (MPL) was applied to two different coating methods intending to increase single cell performances by enhancing mass transport. Here, the morphology and structure of catalyst layers were controlled by different catalyst coating methods without varying the ionomer ratio. In particular, MEA fabricated by a screen printing method in a catalyst coated substrate showed uniformly dispersed pores for maximum mass transport. This catalyst layer on micro porous layer resulted in lower ohmic resistance of 0.087 Ω cm2 and low mass transport resistance because of enhanced adhesion between catalyst layers and a membrane and improved mass transport of fuel and vapors. Consequently, higher electrochemical performance of current density of 1000 mA cm-2 at 0.6 V and 1600 mAcm−2 under 0.5 V came from these low electrochemical resistances comparing the catalyst layer fabricated by a spraying method on membranes because adhesion between catalyst layers and a membrane was much enhanced by screen printing method.

► Catalyst coating methods can control the catalyst layer structure.
► Screen printing method improves mass transfer of fuel and water management.
► Screen printing method suggests the solution for poor adhesion in CCS MEA fabrication.