Basic examination of membrane electrode assembly of proton exchange membrane fuel cell considering heat deterioration

The purpose of this research is to develop a standard preparation method for membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Therefore, the preparation method for multilayered MEAs with gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and the degree to which polymer membranes deteriorate by heating were studied. As a result, improvement of power density by making multi catalyst layers provides a solution to some problems found in thin polymer membranes. In addition, it was found that improving the diffusion of gas through two-layer GDLs in cathode (duct side: carbon paper, catalyst layer side: carbon cross) results in a cross leak reduction. Moreover, a making condition of MEAs was optimized by varying the temperatures used for the multi catalyst layers and two-layer GDLs. The analysis of heat deterioration of the Nafion membrane using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicates that the optimal hot press temperature is 130 °C.

Research highlights
► Improving the diffusion of gas through two-layer GDLs in cathode.
► Making condition of MEAs was optimized in the multi catalyst layers.
► The optimal hot press temperature for making MEA is 130 °C.