Design of Graded Cathode Catalyst Layers with Various Ionomers for Fuel Cell Application

Lyu, Xiang; Van Cleve, Tim; Young, Erica; Li, Jianlin; Yu, Haoran; Cullen, David A.; Neyerlin, K. C.; Serov, Alexey

doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232530

Design of Graded Cathode Catalyst Layers with Various Ionomers for Fuel Cell Application

Journal Article · 16 December 2022 · Journal of Power Sources

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232530· OSTI ID:1908703

Lyu, Xiang; ; Young, Erica; Li, Jianlin; Yu, Haoran; Cullen, David A.; Neyerlin, K. C.; Serov, Alexey

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) powered by green hydrogen (H2) have become a promising alternative to conventional hydrocarbon-fueled power generators. Despite technological advancements, further improvements in efficiency, durability, and low-cost production are required for the widespread adoption of PEMFCs. Though numerous approaches to improve PEMFC electrodes have been reported, most strategies utilize a single material set (e.g., one combination of catalyst and ionomer) to improve performance. Alternatively, anisotropic (graded) electrode structures with locally tunable properties may yield superior electrode performance due to improved ionic and gas phase transport. In this work, graded cathode catalyst layers (CCLs) incorporating different ionomers (Nafion D2020, Aquivion D79-25BS, and HOPI) were designed and prepared. Performance screening shows that some of these graded electrode structures have comparable performance to optimized single-ionomer electrode structures (D2020) suggesting some synergistic benefit. Additionally, we show that electrodes with lower equivalent weight (EW) D79 ionomer near the membrane and D2020 ionomer near the gas diffusion media outperformed electrodes with the inverted configuration. Finally, EIS analysis shows some graded ionomer structures (e.g. D79/D2020) have better than expected H+ conductivity, generally leading to better electrode performance. However, further optimization of ionomer content and catalyst ink formulations is needed to improve overall PEMFC performance.

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (EE-3F)

DOE Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1908703

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-5900-84118; MainId:84891; UUID:04a774b8-f9a2-4814-9438-c8cabc438577; MainAdminID:68417

Journal Information:: Journal of Power Sources, Vol. 556

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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