Membrane electrode assemblies for PEM fuel cells

• Main Authors: Zandona, Nicola, Dr, Binder, Matthias, Suchsland, Jens-Peter, Dr
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 25.11.2020
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRICITY; PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSIONOF CHEMICAL INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

The invention relates to Membrane Electrode Assemblies ("MEAs") for solid-polymer-electrolyte proton-conducting membrane fuel cells ("PEM-FCs") having better performance and improved durability, in particular when operated under severe electrochemical conditions such as fuel starvation and start-up/shut-down cycling. The MEAs are characterized in that at least one of its two electrode layers (EL1 and/or EL2) contains a first electrocatalyst (EC1) comprising an iridium oxide component in combination with at least one other inorganic oxide component and a second electrocatalyst (EC2/EC2'), which is free from iridium. Preferably, an iridium oxide/titania catalyst is employed as EC 1. The MEAs reveal better performance, in particular when operated under severe operating conditions such as fuel starvation and start-up/shut-down cycling.