Tailoring catalyst layer structures for anion exchange membrane fuel cells by controlling the size of ionomer aggreates in dispersion

Hyun, Jonghyun; Jeon, Jong Yeob; Doo, Gisu; Jung, Jinkwan; Choi, Sungyu; Lee, Dong-Hyun; Lee, Dong Wook; Kwen, Jiyun; Jo, Wonhee; Bae, Chulsung; Kim, Hee-Tak

doi:10.1016/j.cej.2021.131737

Title: Tailoring catalyst layer structures for anion exchange membrane fuel cells by controlling the size of ionomer aggreates in dispersion

Journal Article · Wed Aug 11 00:00:00 UTC 2021 · Chemical Engineering Journal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.131737 · OSTI ID:1976919

Hyun, Jonghyun ^[1]; Jeon, Jong Yeob ^[2]; Doo, Gisu ^[3]; Jung, Jinkwan ^[3]; Choi, Sungyu ^[3]; Lee, Dong-Hyun ^[3]; Lee, Dong Wook ^[3]; Kwen, Jiyun ^[3]; Jo, Wonhee ^[3]; Bae, Chulsung ^[2]; Kim, Hee-Tak ^[3]

Korea Advanced Inst. Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon (South Korea); OSTI
Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY (United States)
Korea Advanced Inst. Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon (South Korea)

The development of anion exchange membranes and ionomers plays a critical role in performance of anion exchange membrane fuel cells. However, the optimal design of catalyst layer structures still remains unexplored despite its significance. Herein, the rational design guide is presented for cathode and anode catalyst layers using m-TPN1 ionomer by controlling the size of ionomer aggregates in dispersion and comparing various catalyst layer structures. The size of m-TPN1 aggregates decreases, creating a more uniform ionomer distribution and a larger triple-phase-boundary. As ionomer distribution of the cathode catalyst layer becomes more uniform, the power density of membrane-electrode-assembly is enhanced. Also, the power density at fully humidified condition strongly correlates with the porosity of anode catalyst layer due to the limitation of hydrogen transport at anode by water flooding.

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Research Organization:: Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF); USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)

Grant/Contract Number:: AR0000769

OSTI ID:: 1976919

Journal Information:: Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal Journal Issue: C Vol. 427; ISSN 1385-8947

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Water flooding
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Title: Tailoring catalyst layer structures for anion exchange membrane fuel cells by controlling the size of ionomer aggreates in dispersion

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