Optimization of cathode microporous layer materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2021-04, Vol.46 (27), p.14674-14686
• Main Authors: Li, Bing, Xie, Meng, Ji, Hao, Chu, Tiankuo, Yang, Daijun, Ming, Pingwen, Zhang, Cunman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon-material; Gas diffusion layer; Hydrophobic agent; Microporous layer; Proton exchange membrane fuel cell; Water management
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.01.169

The microporous layer (MPL) of diffusion medium has an important impact on the water management ability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this study, six kinds of carbon black were used to prepare the cathode MPL. The thickness, conductivity, pore structure, hydrophobicity, and surface microstructure of MPL were characterized. The single cell was prepared and electrochemical tests were performed. The results showed that the single cell prepared by Acetylene black (ACET) and Vulcan XC-72R has a considerable power generation performance. In addition, polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene copolymer P(VDF-HFP) was used to replace Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as hydrophobic binder. MPL with different P(VDF-HFP) contents were prepared, and the single cell performance was investigated. The results showed that all the single cells prepared by P(VDF-HFP) were worse than that of PTFE. This study provides an important reference for further improving the performance of fuel cells from the perspective of material optimization with MPL. •Six kinds of carbon black were used to prepare the cathode MPL.•Single cell prepared by ACET and Vulcan XC-72R has a considerable performance.•MPL with different P(VDF-HFP) contents was prepared.•All the single cell performance prepared by P(VDF-HFP) were worse than that by PTFE.