Three-dimensional modelling of catalyst layers in PEM fuel cells: Effects of non-uniform catalyst loading

Schwarz, D; Djilali, Ned

doi:10.1002/er.1497

Cited by 21 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 14 publications

(37 reference statements)

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“…) unless CC License in place (see abstract [275][276][277][278][279][280][281][282] This is quite reasonable since the primary structures of Nafion are 30 nm long single chains of ionomer with a diameter of 3 to 5 nm, 283 or larger aggregates. 284,285 Therefore, even though Nafion is known to adsorb on carbon-black surfaces, 269 as also discussed for thin-films below, the Nafion aggregates cannot easily enter the smaller primary pores of Pt/C agglomerates.…”

Section: Catalyst-layer Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Critical Review of Modeling Transport Phenomena in Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Weber

Borup

Darling³

et al. 2014

J. Electrochem. Soc.

498

394

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Polymer-electrolyte fuel cells are a promising energy-conversion technology. Over the last several decades significant progress has been made in increasing their performance and durability, of which continuum-level modeling of the transport processes has played an integral part. In this review, we examine the state-of-the-art modeling approaches, with a goal of elucidating the knowledge gaps and needs going forward in the field. In particular, the focus is on multiphase flow, especially in terms of understanding interactions at interfaces, and catalyst layers with a focus on the impacts of ionomer thin-films and multiscale phenomena. Overall, we highlight where there is consensus in terms of modeling approaches as well as opportunities for further improvement and clarification, including identification of several critical areas for future research. Fuel cells may become the energy-delivery devices of the 21 st century. Although there are many types of fuel cells, polymer-electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are receiving the most attention for automotive and small stationary applications. In a PEFC, fuel and oxygen are combined electrochemically. If hydrogen is used as the fuel, it oxidizes at the anode releasing proton and electrons according toThe generated protons are transported across the membrane and the electrons across the external circuit. At the cathode catalyst layer, protons and electrons recombine with oxygen to generate waterAlthough the above electrode reactions are written in single step, multiple elementary reaction pathways are possible at each electrode. During the operation of a PEFC, many interrelated and complex phenomena occur. These processes include mass and heat transfer, electrochemical reactions, and ionic and electronic transport. * Electrochemical Society Active Member. z E-mail: azweber@lbl.govOver the last several decades significant progress has been made in increasing PEFC performance and durability. Such progress has been enabled by experiments and computation at multiple scales, with the bulk of the focus being on optimizing and discovering new materials for the membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA), composed of the proton-exchange membrane (PEM), catalyst layers, and diffusionmedia (DM) backing layers. In particular, continuum modeling has been invaluable in providing understanding and insight into processes and phenomena that cannot be resolved or uncoupled through experiments. While modeling of the transport and related phenomena has progressed greatly, there are still some critical areas that need attention. These areas include modeling the catalyst layer and multiphase phenomena in the PEFC porous media.While there have been various reviews over the years of PEFC modeling 1-7 and issues, [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] as well as numerous books and book chapters, there is a need to examine critically the field in terms of what has been done and what needs to be done. This review serves that purpose with a focus on transport modeling of PEFCs. This is not meant to be an exhaustive review...

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Section: Catalyst-layer Modelingmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Critical Review of Modeling Transport Phenomena in Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Weber

Borup

Darling³

et al. 2014

J. Electrochem. Soc.

498

394

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show abstract

“…Further values for the model parameters are provided in refs. [16,17]. Besides the operating conditions and model parameters, properties of the PEM fuel cell components are required.…”

Section: à2mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The other components in the fuel cell are the (i) bipolar plates; made of SGL BBP4 carbon/phenolic composite, (ii) Toray TGP-H-060 gas diffusion layers and (iii) Gore Primea Ò Series 5510 catalyst-coated composite membrane. Properties of these components as supplied by the manufacturers [16,17] were used in the performance calculations. Fig.…”

Section: à2mentioning

confidence: 99%

Calculations of transport phenomena and reaction distribution in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Schwarz

Beale

2009

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

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This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the author for internal non-commercial research and education use, including for instruction at the authors institution and sharing with colleagues.Other uses, including reproduction and distribution, or selling or licensing copies, or posting to personal, institutional or third party websites are prohibited. The performance of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel cells depends on the design of the cell as well as the operating conditions. The design of the cell influences the complex interaction of activation effects, ohmic losses, and transport limitations, which in turn determines the local current density. Detailed models of the electrochemical reactions and transport phenomena in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel cells can be used to determine the current density distribution for a given fuel cell design and operating conditions. In this work, three-dimensional, multicomponent and multiphase transport calculations are performed using a computational fluid dynamics code. The computational results for a full-scale fuel cell design show that ohmic effects due to drying of polymer electrolyte in the anode catalyst layer and membrane, and transport limitations of air and flooding in the cathode cause the current density to be a maximum near the gas channel inlets where ohmic losses and transport limitations are a minimum. Elsewhere in the cell, increased ohmic losses and transport limitations cause a decrease in current density, and the performance of the fuel cell is significantly lower than that which could be attained if the ohmic losses and transport limitations throughout the cell were the same as those near the gas channel inlets. Thus overall fuel cell design is critical in maximizing unit performance. Crown

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“…An in-plane gradient in catalyst distribution was proposed as a strategy to enhance the performance and the efficient use of the platinum catalyst material [14,15] and improve the current density homogeneity [16]. Moreover, the modification of the gas diffusion electrode was also proposed as a strategy to enhance both oxygen and water transport by introducing a mixed carbon fiber/carbon cloth paper as the gas diffusion layer (GDL) [17e20] or by coating the GDL with a water management layer (a graded microporous layer) [21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of in-plane GDL structuration: Impact on current density distribution in large-area Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Jabbour

Robin

Nandjou

et al. 2015

Journal of Power Sources

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Three-dimensional modelling of catalyst layers in PEM fuel cells: Effects of non-uniform catalyst loading

Cited by 21 publications

References 14 publications

A Critical Review of Modeling Transport Phenomena in Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells

A Critical Review of Modeling Transport Phenomena in Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Calculations of transport phenomena and reaction distribution in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Feasibility of in-plane GDL structuration: Impact on current density distribution in large-area Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

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