Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been regarded as the most promising candidate for fuel cell vehicles and tools. Their broader adaption, however, has been impeded by cost and lifetime. By integrating a thin layer of tungsten oxide within the anode, which serves as a rapid-response hydrogen reservoir, oxygen scavenger, sensor for power demand, and regulator for hydrogen-disassociation reaction, we herein report proton exchange membrane fuel cells with significantly enhanced power performance for transient operation and low humidified conditions, as well as improved durability against adverse operating conditions. Meanwhile, the enhanced power performance minimizes the use of auxiliary energy-storage systems and reduces costs. Scale fabrication of such devices can be readily achieved based on the current fabrication techniques with negligible extra expense. This work provides proton exchange membrane fuel cells with enhanced power performance, improved durability, prolonged lifetime, and reduced cost for automotive and other applications.
Highlights
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been regarded as the most promising candidate for fuel cell vehicles and tools
We envision that Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with significantly enhanced transient performance and prolonged lifetime could be made by integrating anodes with a thin layer of tungsten oxide (WO3)[24]
In summary, we have designed hybrid PEMFCs through integrating anodes with a layer of WO3/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite, which serves as a rapid-response hydrogen reservoir, scavenger for oxygen, sensor for power demand, and regulator for hydrogendisassociation reaction
Summary
Synthesis of WO3/CNTs composites with rapid hydrogen storage-release capability. To synthesize the WO3, a hydrothermal a b c d. Our previous work suggests that such hexagonal WO3 crystals can provide proton conductivity as high as 3.7 mS cm−1 at 60 °C27 Such intertwining networks provide effective transport pathways for electrons and protons, endowing the composites with fast-response capability. It is worth noting that such composite is electrochemically stable in an acidic condition, exhibiting negligible capacity fading over 10,000 charging–discharging cycles under a constant current of 11 A g−1 (Fig. 2h) Such a long cycling life matches the lifespan of PEMFCs. Such a long cycling life matches the lifespan of PEMFCs To evaluate their use as fast-response hydrogen reservoirs in PEMFCs, cells were assembled with a WO3/CNTs electrode, a proton-exchange membrane, and a Pt/C electrode (Supplementary Fig. 3). Even at a high current density of 22 A g−1 (areal current density of 356.4 mA cm−2), the Voltage (V)
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