Abstract
Bi-functional Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells (URFCs) based on proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyte are promising in the field of energy storage. Their performance was investigated with catalyst loadings, carbon paper hydrophobicity and water feeding modes in both fuel cell (FC) and water electrolysis (WE) operations. The optimum membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is with 0.20 mg cm−2 Pt (in 50% Pt/C catalyst) for the hydrogen electrode (HE), and a total catalyst loading of 0.80 mg cm−2 for the oxygen electrode (OE). And its performance can reach 2.18 A cm−2 at 1.80 V in WE test and 0.64 A cm−2 at 0.60 V in FC test with air oxidant. Comparison of different carbon papers reveals that suitable hydrophobicity of OE carbon papers is obtained when the PTFE content accounts for 26.95 wt.%. Choice of water feeding modes, which has an influence on URFC performance in WE mode, is proven to have relations with current density and carbon paper hydrophobicity in a sophisticated way.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
