Effect of polyvinylidene difluoride in the catalyst layer on high-temperature PEMFCs

In this study, the performance of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with different loadings of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) in the catalyst layer (CL) was investigated for high-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). The properties of the prepared MEAs were evaluated by polarization curve analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and short-term durability tests. The results show that the PVDF loading in the cathode significantly affects cell performance. As compared with MEA using conventional polybenzimidazole (PBI) binders, MEA with appropriate PVDF loading exhibited good performance and durability during short-term operation. MEAs containing PVDF:PBI:Pt/C in a weight ratio of 1:5:95 in the cathode exhibited satisfactory performance and durability for HT-PEMFCs.