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.
Highlights
Fuel cells convert chemical energy from the reaction of a fuel and an oxidant directly into electricity with high efficiency and environmental benefits
To compete with internal combustion engines (ICEs) vehicles, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCVs) are challenging in the fields of cost reduction and performance improvement, in the ability to achieve high-power-density operation at high energy efficiency [4]
Along with the development of PEMFCs operating at a large current density (e.g. > 2.5 A/ cm2), the cathode catalyst layer undergoes a high water saturation level
Summary
Fuel cells convert chemical energy from the reaction of a fuel (hydrogen or hydrocarbons) and an oxidant (i.e., oxygen) directly into electricity with high efficiency and environmental benefits (zero or low emission). To compete with ICE vehicles, PEMFCs in FCVs are challenging in the fields of cost reduction and performance improvement, in the ability to achieve high-power-density operation at high energy efficiency [4]. A potential strategy to address this challenge is the development of highpower-performance electrodes with an ultralow Pt loading or Pt-free through the novel catalyst and electrode structure design Another problem is, along with the development of PEMFCs operating at a large current density > 2.5 A/ cm2), the cathode catalyst layer undergoes a high water saturation level (i.e., flooding conditions) This reduces oxygen mass transport to reaction sites of the catalyst resulting in poor fuel cell power performance [13]. An outlook of the catalyst electrode development for high-power-density operation PEMFCs is given
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