Multiscale cathode design for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) offer advantages like improved kinetics and simplified management.
• Phosphoric acid (PA)-doped membranes are standard but cause PA leaching, degrading platinum (Pt)-based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts and cathode layers.
• This degradation limits HT-PEMFC performance and hinders widespread application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in cathode catalysts, catalytic interfaces, and catalyst layers for HT-PEMFCs.
• To address the knowledge gap in fundamental understanding of atomic-scale catalysts, interfacial kinetics, and catalyst layer engineering.
• To provide insights for enhancing the activity and durability of HT-PEMFCs.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of PA-induced catalyst poisoning and degradation mechanisms.
• Summarization of innovative designs for ORR catalysts and interfaces with enhanced PA resistance.
• Discussion of strategies for optimizing cathode catalyst layers for practical applications.

Main Results:

• Fundamental insights into PA-induced catalyst poisoning and cathode catalyst layer degradation are provided.
• Novel ORR catalysts and catalytic interfaces demonstrating improved PA resistance and kinetics are presented.
• Effective approaches for optimizing cathode catalyst layers are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Addressing PA-induced degradation through advanced catalyst and interface design is crucial for HT-PEMFCs.
• Optimizing catalyst layer structure is essential for practical implementation.
• Further research into atomic-scale understanding and interfacial kinetics will accelerate HT-PEMFC development.