Structure, Property, and Performance of Catalyst Layers in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• The catalyst layer (CL) is critical for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell performance, durability, and cost.
• Inhomogeneous CL structure, arising from manufacturing processes, significantly impacts fuel cell properties.
• A comprehensive understanding of CL structure-property relationships is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To thoroughly investigate the inhomogeneous structure of CLs in PEM fuel cells.
• To elucidate the impact of CL structure on physicochemical, electrochemical properties, performance, and durability.
• To review the interconnection between fuel cell performance, failure modes, and CL structure.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing state-of-the-art visualization and characterization techniques to examine CL structure.
• Scrutinizing structure-dependent properties based on fundamental concepts and theories.
• Employing advanced experimental techniques and theoretical findings.
• Establishing an analytical model to understand CL structure effects.

Main Results:

• CL inhomogeneous structure significantly affects physicochemical and electrochemical properties.
• The relationship between CL structure and effective properties is examined through experimental and theoretical findings.
• CL structure strongly influences fuel cell performance and degradation, impacting failure modes.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of CL structure is crucial for developing high-performance PEM fuel cells.
• Advanced characterization and modeling are essential for elucidating CL structure-property relationships.
• Addressing CL inhomogeneity is key to enhancing fuel cell efficiency and longevity.