A review of the performance and analysis of proton exchange membrane fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 220; pp. 348 - 353
• Main Authors: Liu, Chao-Yang, Sung, Chia-Chi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.12.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Catalyst-coated membrane; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Gas diffusion electrode; Membrane electrode assembly; Proton exchange membrane fuel cell; Gas diffusion electrode; Proton exchange membrane fuel cell; Membrane electrode assembly; Catalyst-coated membrane; Water; Performance evaluation; Power density; Hydrogen; Polymer solid electrolyte; Performance standard; Gas electrode; Coatings; Porous material; Sulfonate copolymer; Tetrafluoroethylene copolymer; Current mode; Impregnated material; Platinum; Time curve; Silicon; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Continuous mode; Membrane electrode; Oxygen; Polymer electrolytes; Coated material; Thickness; Microporosity; Gasket; Seal; Catalyst; Comparative study
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.07.090

This study describes a performance review of several membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). First, different methods for preparing catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) and gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) are presented to show that the power density of the CCMs method is approximately 18% better than that obtained by using GDEs. Second, different thickness membranes and a self-fabricated membrane are discussed. The self-fabricated membrane used a PTFE microporous membrane as a backing structure and was impregnated with Nafion for reinforcement. Third, we compared the performance differences of four different amounts of platinum loaded in Nafion-bonded CCMs to prove that more platinum loading can produce better performance linearly at a platinum loading from 0.1 to 0.4 mg cm−2. Fourth, a water storage zone was created on the surface of the GDL. The voltage–time curve shows that the voltage is maintained at 0.650 V ± 0.015 V over more than 300 h while supplying with dry hydrogen and oxygen. Fifth, a matched 250 μm silicon gasket was used to test the performance of a standard MEA with different torques of 5–30 Kgf cm, and the performance differences are within 10%. ▸ The performance of the CCMs method is approximately 18% better than that obtained by using GDEs. ▸ The performance of the self-fabricated membrane was similar to that of NRE212. ▸ The self-humidifying membrane operated over more than 300 h while it was supplied with dry hydrogen and oxygen. ▸ A matched 250 μm silicon gasket with different assembly torques of 5–30 Kgf cm can get similar performances.