Interfacial Nanostructure of the Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Catalyst Layer Constructed with Different Ionomer Contents

Abstract

Fibrous carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofilaments (CNFs) have attracted attention for use in the polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). We have applied one type of fibrous carbon materials named Marimo carbon (MC) as the catalyst support. The modified nanocolloidal method was used preparing the Marimo carbon supported Pt catalyst (Pt/MC). And then, ionomer/carbon ratio in the cathode catalyst layer of the PEFC has been investigated for its effect on performance and structure of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The morphologies and cell performance of cathode catalyst layer using Marimo carbon changed dramatically with ionomer content. In case of excess ionomer, the air volume between CNFs was plugged up by ionomer, and blocked supply fuel gas diffusion caused decrease cell performance. PEFC cell performance was increase with decreasing ionomer content.