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Laser scribed proton exchange membranes for enhanced fuel cell performance and stability
Jianuo Chen1,2, Xuekun Lu3, Lingtao Wang4
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Electrochemical Innovation Lab, University College London, London, UK.
Nature Communications
|December 31, 2024
Summary
Picosecond laser scribing enhances high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) by optimizing the three-phase interface. This method mitigates phosphoric acid leaching, boosting performance and durability.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) offer advantages over low-temperature PEMFCs, including better water management and fuel flexibility.
- Key challenges for HT-PEMFCs include phosphoric acid (PA) leaching and catalyst migration, which degrade the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and reduce performance.
- Stabilizing the three-phase interface is crucial for improving the efficiency and longevity of HT-PEMFCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of picosecond laser scribing for modifying PA-doped membranes in HT-PEMFCs.
- To enhance the performance and durability of HT-PEMFCs by optimizing the three-phase interface and mitigating PA leaching.
- To provide a mechanistic understanding of how laser-induced modifications impact electrochemical processes within the MEA.
Main Methods:
- Modification of PA-doped membranes using picosecond laser scribing, focusing on the cathode side.
- Performance testing of modified HT-PEMFCs, including accelerated stress testing to evaluate durability.
- Development and application of a 3D multi-physics model, informed by X-ray micro-computed tomography data, to analyze electrochemical processes.
Main Results:
- Laser-induced graphene-like structures on the membrane surface effectively mitigate PA leaching.
- Modified HT-PEMFCs demonstrated significantly enhanced performance, achieving a peak power density of 817.2 mW cm⁻² after stress testing.
- A 58.2% increase in peak power density was observed compared to untreated membranes, indicating improved durability and stability.
Conclusions:
- Picosecond laser scribing is a scalable and effective method for stabilizing HT-PEMFC membranes.
- The optimized three-phase interface resulting from laser treatment leads to substantial improvements in fuel cell performance and longevity.
- This research offers valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying laser modification for advanced membrane technologies in fuel cells.
