Cathode Design for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells in Automotive Applications

Abstract

An advanced cathode design can improve the power performance and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), thus reducing the stack cost of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Recent studies on highly active Pt alloy catalysts, short-side-chain polyfluorinated sulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomer and 3D-ordered electrodes have imparted PEMFCs with boosted power density. To achieve the compacted stack target of 6 kW/L or above for the wide commercialization of FCVs, developing available cathodes for high-power-density operation is critical for the PEMFC. However, current developments still remain extremely challenging with respect to highly active and stable catalysts in practical operation, controlled distribution of ionomer on the catalyst surface for reducing catalyst poisoning and oxygen penetration losses and 3D (three-dimensional)-ordered catalyst layers with low Knudsen diffusion losses of oxygen molecular. This review paper focuses on impacts of the cathode development on automotive fuel cell systems and concludes design directions to provide the greatest benefit.

Review on Magnetism in Catalysis: From Theory to PEMFC Applications of 3d Metal Pt-Based Alloys

“…The MEA unit represents the electrochemical work station of the fuel cell [ 2 , 3 , 5 , 10 ]. The electrolyte is composed of a solid polymer ion exchange membrane (commonly sulphonated fluoropolymers) [ 3 , 10 , 402 ]. The electrodes are generally made of a porous and conductive material (e.g., carbon cloth or carbon paper) on which the catalyst is anchored through specific techniques [ 3 , 402 , 403 ].…”

“…The electrolyte is composed of a solid polymer ion exchange membrane (commonly sulphonated fluoropolymers) [ 3 , 10 , 402 ]. The electrodes are generally made of a porous and conductive material (e.g., carbon cloth or carbon paper) on which the catalyst is anchored through specific techniques [ 3 , 402 , 403 ]. The careful design and choice of materials are again required to reach high performances and durability in the electrodes [ 5 , 402 , 404 , 405 , 406 , 407 ].…”

“…The electrodes are generally made of a porous and conductive material (e.g., carbon cloth or carbon paper) on which the catalyst is anchored through specific techniques [ 3 , 402 , 403 ]. The careful design and choice of materials are again required to reach high performances and durability in the electrodes [ 5 , 402 , 404 , 405 , 406 , 407 ]. For example, carbon supports have gained a lot of attention in recent years, thanks to their critical role in the kinetics of ORR, in the transport of 3 O 2 and in the loss of the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of the catalyst [ 5 , 400 ].…”

Designing proton exchange membrane fuel cells with high specific power density

“…85 In the first generation of the Toyota Mirai, Pt usage has been improved by carrying Pt on the surface of carbon carriers; 86 however, there is a problem that the ionomers on the surface of Pt can cause sulfonic acid poisoning, leading to a decrease in catalytic activity. 87 To solve this problem in Toyota's second-generation Mirai, mesoporous carbon was developed as a catalyst carrier, avoiding direct contact between Pt and polymers, effectively inhibiting sulfonic acid poisoning and improving the catalytic activity. 87 Numerous studies have been done on catalytic supports, and using various supports and investigating the synergistic interactions between metals and supports has proven to be a successful method for enhancing the catalytic performance of catalysts.…”

Adoption of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles and Its Prospects for the Future (A Review)

“…In comparison to the existing fossil fuel-based vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) vehicles are yet to be cost-effective. Two possible ways the vehicles powered by emission-free hydrogen fuel or fossil fuel and hydrogen fuel, both technology hybrid-powered vehicles can be better options rather than fossil fuel-based vehicles [27][28][29] .…”