Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8147798 | Current Applied Physics | 2018 | 29 Pages |
Abstract
Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been fabricated using electrospray-assisted deposition of platinum-carbon composites on carbon-fiber-based paper substrate, because the technique is versatile, operated in atmospheric pressure, and easy to scale up for commercialization. In this study, we investigate the effects of electrospray-assisted platinum loadings from 0.1 to 0.5â¯mgâ¯cmâ2 on the electrochemical performance of PEMFCs. The PEMFCs with platinum loading of 0.3â¯mgâ¯cmâ2 generate the highest power density, which is â¼35% higher than that of PEMFCs fabricated by traditional brush-deposited catalyst layers. Relatively high platinum loading (>0.3â¯mgâ¯cmâ2) enhances the pressure drop in MEA; therefore, the resulting power density is decreased due to low-reacting gas permeability. We also examine the effect of porous structures on the electrochemical performance of PEMFCs. Brij 58-based surfactant templates create micro- and nano-porous structures in the platinum-carbon composite thin layers via thermal removal. These porous structures in the platinum-carbon composite thin layers increase the reacting gas permeability and simultaneously lower the cell resistance, significantly enhancing the electrochemical performance of PEMFCs with porous structures.
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Authors
Nian Shan, Hun Jung, Ji Young Ahn, Ji Hoon Kim, Soo Hyung Kim,