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Title: Electron and proton conductivity of Fe-N-C cathodes for PEM fuel cells: A model-based electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement

Journal Article · · Electrochemistry Communications

Impedance spectra of a PEM fuel cell with three Fe-N-C cathodes have been measured under the H2/N2 testing regime. The spectra have been fitted using a recently developed physics-based impedance model, which takes into account finite proton ($$σ_p$$) and electron ($$σ_e$$) conductivity of the oxygen-free cathode catalyst layer. Fitting allowed to extract numerical data for $$σ_p$$, $$σ_e$$, the double layer capacitance, and the inductance of cables used for measuring impedance spectra. The values of σp and σe are close to what previously found for standard Pt/C electrodes, which is found for the first time using PGM-free catalysts. The method enables simultaneous measurement of reference proton and electron conductivity of PEMFC cathode.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE); US Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research (ONR)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308; EE0008419
OSTI ID:
1644215
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1660202
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-5900-77403; S1388248120301466; 106795; PII: S1388248120301466
Journal Information:
Electrochemistry Communications, Journal Name: Electrochemistry Communications Vol. 118 Journal Issue: C; ISSN 1388-2481
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Netherlands
Language:
English

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