Experimental verification for simulation study of Pt/CNT nanostructured cathode catalyst layer for PEM fuel cells

In this study, parametric study on the cathode catalyst layer in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell was conducted. Steady-state, two dimensional (2D) and nonisothermal conditions were proposed as critical hypotheses of work in essence. Multi-component mass diffusion along with convection mechanism in a single cell, conduction changes of proton and electron with experimental data and Knudsen diffusion which has a crucial impact on the simulation task in nanoscale, were considered in our study. Moreover, carbon nanotube (CNT), platinum (Pt) and Nafion loading effects as well as the porosity characteristics in a single-phase flow at different catalyst layer (CL) thicknesses were thoroughly investigated. The results presented herein, revealed that the amount of Pt and CNT has more profound effect than catalyst porosity. Based on the results derived, the model presented could be a promising mean to develop and construct a nanostructured catalyst layer. Meanwhile, our modified agglomerate model predicts the performance of fuel cell systems in different experimental conditions.

► 2D and nonisothermal conditions were proposed as critical hypotheses of work. ► Amount of Pt and CNT has more profound effect than catalyst porosity on cell. ► Large content of mPt reduces the diffusion, electron and proton conduction resistance. ► Large amount of Nafion led to an increment in the diffusion resistance. ► The limiting current density decreases with increase in Nafion loading.