Abstract

Abstract An optimized cathode catalyst layer (CCL) design can improve fuel cell performance. In this study, we tried to optimize the structure by investigating the electrochemical properties of ion and mass transport through various CCL structures with ionomer layer (IL) added using simulation numerical analysis. In the simulation, an electrochemical calculation was performed on the structure with polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and IL of CCL using multi-block model. The simulation was conducted by changing the aspect ratio (AR) structure of width and height of IL to five conditions so that IL is evenly distributed in catalyst layer (CL). The result confirmed that CL 3D IL AR 4.9 structure with the highest aspect ratio showed good performance. In addition, cell performance improved as the uniform reaction area with protons conducting through IL increased and the resistance of protons decreased. Finally, cell performance was predicted based on changes in oxygen concentration (OC), relative humidity (RH), and ionomer/carbon (I/C) ratio. This numerical analysis can show the reaction according to environmental and structural changes and design an optimized structure to improve cell performance.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.