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Updated: Feb 1, 2026
12:12
On the Preparation and Testing of Fuel Cell Catalysts Using the Thin Film Rotating Disk Electrode Method
Published on: March 16, 2018
22.9K
Rheological Investigation on the Microstructure of Fuel Cell Catalyst Inks
Sunilkumar Khandavalli1, Jae Hyung Park2, Nancy N Kariuki2
1Chemistry and Nanoscience Department , National Renewable Energy Laboratory , 15013 Denver West Parkway , Golden , Colorado 80401 , United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 12, 2018
Summary
Fuel cell catalyst ink viscosity depends on carbon type and ionomer. High-surface-area carbons increase viscosity, while platinum reduces it, with ionomer effects varying by carbon support structure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Fuel cell catalyst inks are crucial for performance.
- Understanding ink rheology impacts electrode fabrication and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate rheological properties of fuel cell catalyst inks.
- Determine the influence of carbon support structure, platinum presence, and ionomer concentration on ink microstructure.
Main Methods:
- Rheometry was employed to measure ink viscosity.
- Ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyzed ink microstructure.
Main Results:
- High-surface-area carbons (HSC) resulted in higher viscosity than Vulcan XC-72 due to porosity and agglomeration.
- Platinum presence reduced viscosity via electrostatic stabilization.
- Ionomer (Nafion) addition decreased viscosity in carbon-only inks but increased it in Pt-HSC inks, indicating flocculation.
Conclusions:
- Ink rheology is significantly affected by carbon properties and ionomer interactions.
- Optimizing ionomer:carbon ratio is critical for fuel cell performance.
- The study provides insights into catalyst ink microstructure for improved fuel cell design.
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