Effect of Nafion® ionomer aggregation on the structure of the cathode catalyst layer of a DMFC

The effect of Nafion® ionomer aggregation in solution on the structure of the cathode catalyst layer of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser particle sizer, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that large aggregation particles were suppressed by the addition of NaOH to aqueous solutions of Nafion®, which led to a smaller agglomerate particle size distribution in the catalyst ink. The cathode catalyst layer made from the catalyst ink with NaOH addition showed a more uniform distribution of sulfur and Pt elements, a higher electrochemical active surface area (48% increase) and achieved a better performance in the DMFC than one made from the catalyst ink without NaOH addition.