Janus few layered graphene with asymmetric wettability as anti-flooding cathode supports in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Water balance in cathode catalyst layer (CCL) is crucial for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein, we report a novel strategy to develop a Janus few layered graphene particles (FLGP) with asymmetric wettability by varying the carbon precursors in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Using the Janus FLGP supported Pt with asymmetric wettability as the cathode of a PEMFC, a peak power density of 632 mW cm−2 was achieved, which was about two-folds of the hydrophobic FLGP and three-folds of hydrophilic FLGP based cathode, respectively. The enhanced performance could be ascribed to the well-constructed three-phase boundary in an anti-flooding cathode, leading to enlarged electrochemical active surface area and facilitated mass transfer. This work may provide new clues for improving water management in PEMFCs.