Abstract
Compared to the remarkable advances in anion exchange ionomers (AEIs), the catalyst layer (CL) of the anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) has not been sufficiently engineered. Our molecular simulations reveal that the AEIs widely used in this field have weak interaction with the carbon support, presenting the possibility of significant ionomer aggregation in CL. To demonstrate the issue of ionomer–carbon interaction, we investigated CL morphology for various AEIs including polycarbazole-based ionomer (QPC-TMA), FAA-3, PiperION, Sustainion, and compared them with Nafion ionomer that has strong interaction with carbon. In contrast to the uniform Nafion distribution and open-pore structure of Nafion-based CLs, these AEIs are locally aggregated in CL and clog the interstitial pores between the catalyst particles. Furthermore, the comparison of two AEIs with distinct ionomer–carbon interaction energies exhibits that the ionomer with a lower ionomer–carbon interaction energy leads to larger kinetic and mass transport overvoltages. This study provides a fresh perspective that ionomer–carbon support interaction has a significant effect on the structure and performance of the CL.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
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.