Catalyst loading in electrode of SPEEK/cSMM electrolyte for DMFC

Abstract

The aim of this research is to build up an anode and cathode catalyst loading with its optimum performance using modified sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with charged surface modifying macromolecules (cSMM) membrane. The catalyst ink and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was prepared by hot pressing using catalysed diffusion media method. Variation of anode catalyst loading for modified SPEEK with charged surface modifying macromolecules (cSMM) membrane was tested to determine a higher performance in DMFCs. The air flow-rate was varied from 25 to 1000 ml min−1, while 1M methanol concentrations, 1 ml min−1 of methanol flow-rate and operating temperature were kept constant; the performance of a single cell 4 cm2 DMFCs electrodes were tested under those conditions. The optimal anode catalyst loading was 4 mgcm−2 for 30% PtRu, however on the cathode side, the effect of different loading namely 5 % and 10 % Pd/C in 2, 4 and 6 mgcm−2 of catalyst loading have been investigated with a fuel cell assembly. It was found that the best optimal cathode catalyst loading was 4 mgcm−2 for 10 % Pd/C to pair with 4 mgcm−2 for 30 % PtRu at anode for this application.