Optimization of Cathode Catalyst Layer in PEM Fuel Cells

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 School of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16846-13114 Tehran, I.R. IRAN

2 Fuel Cell Laboratory, Green Research Center, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16846-13114 Tehran, I.R. IRAN

Abstract

Thesluggish of Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) kinetics at the cathode account the majority of the voltage drop in H2-PEMFCs. As many limiting processes take place in the reaction layer, it is important to model this layer. In this work, a two-dimensional steady state model for a PEM fuel cell cathode is described. All the components in the cathode such as the gas manifold, diffusion layer, micro-porous layer and the catalyst layer were modeled. Concentrations of gaseous components, liquid water saturation in the cathode catalyst layer and ionomer local potential calculated to solve the equations in MATLAB. After comparing the results of the model and experimental data, the design parameters include platinum loading, catalyst layer thickness and ionomer weight fraction was chosen to achieve maximum current density. The optimal values were 0.9 mg.cm-2, 15 µm and 55% for platinum loading, catalyst layer thickness and ionomer weight fraction at high voltage and  0.5 mg.cm-2, 30 µm and 45% at low voltage respectively.

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References

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