Hydrophilic-hydrophobic dual catalyst layers for proton exchange membrane fuel cells under low humidity

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications Vol. 97; pp. 105 - 109
• Main Authors: Roh, Chi-Woo, Choi, Juhyuk, Lee, Hyunjoo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2018
• Subjects: Drone; Dual catalyst layer; Functionalized carbon; Low humidity; PEMFC; PEMFC; Dual catalyst layer; Drone; Low humidity; Functionalized carbon
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2018.11.003

Operating proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) under low humidity is important for applications of small electrical devices such as drone. Hydrophilic catalyst is prepared by depositing Pt nanoparticles on oxygen-functionalized carbon supports while commercial Pt/C is used as hydrophobic catalyst. Dual catalyst layer (dual-CL) electrodes are prepared with an inner hydrophilic layer and an outer hydrophobic layer for a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and it is applied for PEMFC under low humidity. The dual-CL MEA shows enhanced cell performance and durability than MEAs with a single hydrophobic or hydrophilic catalyst layer. Hydrophilicity in anode is the most important to enhance performance. [Display omitted] •MEA with hydrophilic-hydrophobic dual catalyst layers showed good cell performance under low humidity.•Inner hydrophilic layer held water and hydrated Nafion membrane.•The hydrophilic layer in the anode enhanced cell performance significantly.•Outer hydrophobic layer alleviated water flooding problem.•The MEA showed good durability after 5000 cycles of ADT.