Electrospun particle/polymer fiber electrodes with a neat Nafion binder for hydrogen/air fuel cells

K. Waldrop, J. J. Slack, C. Gumeci, N. Dale, S. Reeves, D. Cullen, K. L. Moore, P. N. Pintauro

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electrospun nanofiber electrodes for hydrogen/air fuel cells were prepared using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) carrier polymer, where previous publications used poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Electrospinning with PEO carrier is only possible when the ink contains Nafion® in its salt form. Fiber electrodes were evaluated in 5 cm2 membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEAs) and exhibited excellent power at high and low feed gas relative humidities. For example, a nanofiber cathode MEA made from an ink containing Na+-form Nafion, PEO, and Pt/C generated 822 mW/cm2 at maximum power, 40% RH, 80 °C, and 200 kPa^, whereas PAA-based ink electrode MEAs produced 527 mW/cm2. Changes in PEO molecular weight had no notable impact on fuel cell performance. Different Nafion counter-ions were studied. The use of Cs+-form Nafion resulted in the best MEA performance, producing 919 mW/cm2 at maximum power under full humidification and 800 mW/cm2 at 40% RH.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPolymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers 19, PEFC and E 19
EditorsK. Swider-Lyons, H. Uchida, F. Buechi, W. E. Mustain, B. S. Pivovar, P. N. Pintauro, A. Z. Weber, D. Jones, H. Gasteiger, C. A. Rice, P. Strasser, E. Kjeang, K. Shinohara, S. Mitsushima, Y.-T. Kim, T. J. Schmidt, J. M. Fenton, R. A. Mantz, B. Lakshmanan, H. Xu
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages595-602
Number of pages8
Edition8
ISBN (Electronic)9781607688822
ISBN (Print)9781607688822
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventSymposium on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers 19, PEFC and E 2019 - 236th ECS Meeting - Atlanta, United States
Duration: Oct 13 2019Oct 17 2019

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number8
Volume92
ISSN (Print)1938-6737
ISSN (Electronic)1938-5862

Conference

ConferenceSymposium on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers 19, PEFC and E 2019 - 236th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period10/13/1910/17/19

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