A hybrid technique for fabricating PEMFC's low platinum loading electrodes

Abstract

Various fuel cell electrode fabrication techniques have been reported in literature such as the rolling, screen-printing, and spraying technique; each has its own merits and demerits. This paper describes the novel and beneficial use of a newly developed hybrid technique for fabricating low platinum loading electrodes for PEMFC application. Evaluation of the electrodes was carried out in single cells using serpentine graphite current collectors with humidified hydrogen and non-humidified oxygen gases at 80 °C, 1 bar (g) pressure. High current densities ( 2.1 A cm - 2 ) were achieved at a cell voltage at 0.5 V, using a daily start and stop (DSS) routine. The results of electrodes prepared by the hybrid technique were compared with the results obtained from electrodes prepared by proprietary spraying and screen-printing techniques. It is concluded that the hybrid is superior to the other two techniques. The physical characterization of the electrodes (PIXE, EDX, SEM) and electrochemical characterization (polarization curves) are presented in this paper.