Coaly Graphite as an Eco-Friendly Material in the Microporous Layer of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which can directly convert chemical energy to electricity, are promising as the next-generation energy harvesting method. Among all of the components, the microporous layer (MPL) controls the water and gas transport between the gas diffusion layer and the catalysis layer, where carbon black is one of the traditional materials for fabrication. However, owing to its energy-intensive preparation method, high capitalized cost, and low water transport rate features, the realization of carbon black on a large scale still faces obstacles. Here, we demonstrate a combination of three carbon materials for synthesizing the MPL using carbon black (CB), coaly graphite (CG), and graphene oxide (GO), whose synergistic effect ensures a high output in PEM fuel cells. CB is partially replaced by CG, which reduces the carbon and toxic gas footprint while still maintaining a high power density. This work for designing membrane structures for the MPL opens opportunities for developing highly efficient PEM fuel cells.