Abstract
Optimization of the structure of cathode catalyst layers (CCLs) for promoting the transfer of reactants and products in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is important for improving the cell performance. In this study, using theoretical equations, we confirmed that the shortened proton conduction path in the ionomer layer (IL) with a 3D-patterned structure, compared to that in the IL with a flat-patterned structure, can improve the cell performance. We experimentally investigated the effect of the IL with a 3D-patterned structure included in the CCLs on the cell performance. Based on the combination of the flat- or 3D-pattern of the IL and the catalyst layer (CL), the samples were categorized as Str. 1 (3D-patterned CL without IL), Str. 2 (flat-patterned IL and CL), Str. 3 (3D-patterned IL and flat-patterned CL), and Str. 4 (3D-patterned IL and CL). All of the samples had different morphologies. According to the I–V curves and impedance spectra data acquired at 80 °C and 40% relative humidity, Str. 4 showed superior cell performance relative to those of the other CCLs. These results indicate that the structure of Str. 4 enhanced the proton conductivity at a low humidity at which proton conduction is usually poor, thereby resulting in improved cell performance.
Highlights
Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are a promising and environmentally friendly alternative power source for achieving carbon neutrality
The same flat or 3D patterns were coated on the Nafion film, their heights and shapes varied depending on the components of the solution
In the case of the cathode catalyst layers (CCLs) obtained by combining the 3D-ionomer layer (IL) and flat-catalyst layer (CL), the cell performance decreased because the presence of agglomerates on the CL led to longer mass transport paths
Summary
Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are a promising and environmentally friendly alternative power source for achieving carbon neutrality. Many studies have investigated catalyst inks containing carbon-supported Pt catalysts, solvents, and ionomers for influencing the ionomer distribution within the CCLs, which is expected to ogy for microscale patterning and fabrication of a varie patterning with various inks It can red the manufacturing cost [8]. Because 3D inkjet printing technologies can be utilized to control the structural properties, improve the electrochemical performance, and increase the ionic conductivity, active area, and gas diffusion rate, they can be applied to various fields related to fuel cells during the last decade, as shown Table 1 [9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23]. Our study demonstrates that different morphologies of the CCLs have different effects on the cell performance
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