Abstract
In this study, the transfer method is employed to add hydrophilic SiO2 nanopowders to a Pt/C catalyst ink to form an anode catalyst layer on a proton exchange membrane (PEM). The SiO2-layered membrane electrode assembly improves the performance of the PEM under low- or zero-humidification conditions. When the PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) undergoes electrochemical reaction, the moisture content of the PEM exhibits a substantial influence on the transmission of protons. To ensure the moisture content remains high, an external humidifier is typically employed to humidify the majority of PEMFCs. However, self-humidifying PEMFCs could utilize the water produced by the fuel cell reaction, thereby eliminating the need for an external humidifier. In this study, various SiO2 loadings were added to an anode catalyst layer, and the cell temperature and gas humidification conditions were adjusted to determine the influence of the SiO2 loadings on the fuel cell performance. The results show that adding SiO2 is preferable to not adding SiO2 when the fuel cell temperature is 50°C.
Highlights
Fuel cells are a type of energy conversion device
Among the various methods for manufacturing membrane electrode assembly (MEA), the transfer method generally provides superior performance compared to traditional methods; it was employed in this study
By examining the water contact angle test data, we found that the hydrophilicity of the specimen surface improved following the addition of SiO2
Summary
Fuel cells are a type of energy conversion device. They follow electrochemical principles when converting the chemical energy from fuels (i.e., hydrogen) and oxidants (i.e., oxygen) into electrical energy. Fuel cells provide a high energy-conversion rate and possess various environmentally friendly characteristics. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a type of fuel cell that is highly suitable for low-temperature operations, and has high specific power. Numerous previous studies have asserted that fuel cells to be the optimal future clean power option for fields related to distributed power generation, mobile power for communication, and electric. (2015) Using SiO2 Nanopowders in Anode Catalyst Layer to Improve the Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell at Low Humidity. Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, 3, 72-79.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callMore From: Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
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.
