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Electrochemically Produced Graphene for Microporous Layers in Fuel Cells
Amin Taheri Najafabadi1, Magrieta J Leeuwner1, David P Wilkinson2
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Clean Energy Research Centre, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Chemsuschem
|June 3, 2016
Summary
Electrographene (EGN) and carbon black (CB) composite microporous layers (MPLs) significantly boost proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance. These EGN+CB MPLs enhance peak power density and maintain performance under low humidity conditions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- Microporous layers (MPLs) are critical for two-phase mass transfer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).
- MPL performance depends heavily on material properties like morphology, porosity, and electrical resistance.
- Conventional carbon black (CB) MPLs face limitations in optimizing water management and overall efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EGN) microsheets as an alternative to CB for MPLs in PEMFCs.
- To evaluate the performance of EGN-only and composite EGN+CB MPLs.
- To assess the impact of MPL composition on fuel cell performance under varying humidity levels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of MPLs using EGN and CB materials.
- Characterization of MPL properties, including morphology and electrical resistance.
- Performance testing of PEMFCs with different MPL configurations under controlled relative humidity (RH) conditions.
Main Results:
- EGN-based MPLs reduced kinetic and Ohmic losses compared to CB-only MPLs.
- Composite EGN+CB MPLs significantly improved mass-transport limiting current density.
- Peak power densities increased by ~30% (EGN+CB vs. CB) and ~70% (EGN+CB vs. EGN-only) at 100% RH.
- EGN+CB MPLs maintained superior performance at 20% RH, unlike CB-only MPLs which showed significant degradation.
Conclusions:
- Composite EGN+CB MPLs offer a substantial improvement in PEMFC performance, particularly in peak power density and water management.
- EGN-based materials show promise for enhancing fuel cell efficiency by reducing energy losses.
- The developed composite MPLs demonstrate enhanced durability and operational stability under low humidity conditions, addressing a key challenge in PEMFC technology.
