Effective single web–structured electrode for high membrane electrode assembly performance in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Abstract

To achieve a sustainable society, CO2 emissions must be reduced and efficiency of energy systems must be enhanced. The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has zero CO2 emissions and high effectiveness for various applications. A well-designed membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA) composed of electrode layers of effective materials and structure can alter the performance and durability of PEMFC. We demonstrate an efficient electrode deposition method through a well-designed carbon single web with a porous 3D web structure that can be commercially adopted. To achieve excellent electrochemical properties, active Pt nanoparticles are controlled by a nanoglue effect on a highly graphitized carbon surface. The developed MEA exhibits a notable maximum power density of 1082 mW/cm2 at 80°C, H2/air, 50% RH, and 1.8 atm; low cathode loading of 0.1 mgPt/cm2; and catalytic performance decays of only 23.18 and 13.42% under commercial-based durability protocols, respectively, thereby achieving all desirables for commercial applications.