Impact of liquid water on oxygen reaction in cathode catalyst layer of proton exchange membrane fuel cell: A simple and physically sound model

2016 ◽  
Vol 318 ◽  
pp. 251-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoxian Zhang ◽  
Yuan Gao
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Liquid Water ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Cathode Catalyst ◽  
Cathode Catalyst Layer ◽  
Exchange Membrane ◽  
Oxygen Reaction

Nanofiber Cathode Catalyst Layer Model for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis O. Dever ◽  
Richard A. Cairncross ◽  
Yossef A. Elabd
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Cell Performance ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Cathode Catalyst ◽  
Fuel Cell Performance ◽  
Cathode Catalyst Layer ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The cathode catalyst layer in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is now known to contain ionomer nanofibers and experiments have demonstrated a fuel cell performance increase of ∼10% due to those nanofibers. The experiments demonstrate that ionomer nanofibers have proton conductivities that exceed those of the bulk form of the ionomer by more than an order of magnitude. A new model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is presented here that predicts the effect of nanofibers on cell performance in terms of the enhanced nanofiber proton conductivity and other relevant variables. The model peak cell power density is ∼7% greater for the case with 10% of the cathode catalyst layer ionomer in nanofiber form versus the same case without nanofibers. This difference is consistent with trends observed in previously published experimental results. These results are significant since they suggest alternative methods to reduce platinum loading in fuel cells and to optimize fuel cell performance.

Ionomer content effect on charge and gas transport in the cathode catalyst layer of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 490 ◽  
pp. 229531
Author(s):  
Yurii V. Yakovlev ◽  
Yevheniia V. Lobko ◽  
Maryna Vorokhta ◽  
Jaroslava Nováková ◽  
Michal Mazur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Gas Transport ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Cathode Catalyst ◽  
Cathode Catalyst Layer ◽  
Exchange Membrane

Predicting Liquid Water Saturation Through Differently Structured Cathode Gas Diffusion Media of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Akhtar ◽  
P. J. A. M. Kerkhof
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Liquid Water ◽  
Proton Exchange Membrane ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Catalyst Layer ◽  
Gas Diffusion ◽  
Proton Exchange ◽  
Diffusion Media ◽  
Exchange Membrane

The role of gas diffusion media with differently structured properties have been examined with emphasis on the liquid water saturation within the cathode of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The cathode electrode consists of a gas diffusion layer (GDL), a micro-porous layer and a catalyst layer (CL). The liquid water saturation profiles have been calculated for varying structural and physical properties, i.e., porosity, permeability, thickness and contact angle for each of these layers. It has been observed that each layer has its own role in determining the liquid water saturation within the CL. Among all the layers, the GDL is the most influential layer that governs the transport phenomena within the PEMFC cathode. Besides, the thickness of the CL also affects the liquid water saturation and it should be carefully controlled.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document