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Multi-technique characterization of spray coated and roll-to-roll coated gas diffusion fuel cell electrodes

Journal Article · · Journal of Power Sources

Here this work reports the characterization of catalyst layer (CL) structure and composition for a set of gas-diffusion electrodes (GDEs) fabricated by different coating methods with the goal of developing a better understanding of CL processing-structure-property-performance relationships. The CL coating techniques used in this study were ultrasonic spray coating, and two roll-to-roll (R2R) methods - gravure and slot die. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of GDE cross-sections provided bulk information, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to investigate the near surface and surface composition of the CLs that will be in direct contact with the membrane once the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is constructed. This study demonstrates that common quantification parameters, namely the F:Pt ratio extracted from cross-sectional STEM-EDS maps and top-down CL measurements with SEM and XPS, along with roughness parameters quantified from SEM micrographs are useful parameters in explaining and potentially predicting performance trends. Additionally, it highlights the importance of understanding key CL surface properties for advancing the manufacturability of high-performance components for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) technologies.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE); National Science Foundation (NSF); Graduate Education for Minorities (GEM)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1961152
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA--5K00-84448; MainId:85221; UUID:5430eb9b-8c46-498f-93f1-14fb1371c2bd; MainAdminID:68976
Journal Information:
Journal of Power Sources, Journal Name: Journal of Power Sources Vol. 560; ISSN 0378-7753
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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