Influence of ionorier content on the structure and performance of PEFC membrane electrode assemblies

Jian Xie, David L. Wood, Karren L. More, Thomas A. Zawodzinski, Wayne H. Smith

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

    1 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Varying Nafion® content in the cathode catalyst layer of PEFC was shown to have an effect on performance over the entire polarization range, as well as on electrode structure. AFM and TEM were used to demonstrate the effect of Nafion® content on the dispersion of carbon aggregates. Further TEM analysis showed the distribution and thickness of the ionomer film surrounding the catalyst particles and carbon aggregates. These observed MEA structural variations correlated well with individual MEA performance in both the kinetic and mass-transport regions. The primary factors determining MEA performance were found to be the extent of the ionomer/catalyst-particle interfacial zone, the dispersion of carbon-support aggregates, and the distribution and thickness of the ionomer film surrounding the catalyst particles/carbon aggregates. The optimized cathode Nafion® content for the decal preparation method was shown to be 27±6 wt% for an E-TEK 20% Pt 3Cr/C catalyst at a loading of 0.20 mg Pt/cm 2.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProton Conducting Membrane Fuel Cells IV - Proceedings of the International Symposium
    Pages657-671
    Number of pages15
    StatePublished - 2004
    Event206th Meeting of The Electrochemical Society Fall 2004 - Honolulu, HI, United States
    Duration: Oct 3 2006Oct 8 2006

    Publication series

    NameProceedings - Electrochemical Society
    VolumePV 2004-21

    Conference

    Conference206th Meeting of The Electrochemical Society Fall 2004
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityHonolulu, HI
    Period10/3/0610/8/06

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