Catalytic layer-membrane electrode assembly methods for optimum triple phase boundaries and fuel cell performances

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability Materials for energy and sustainability, 2021-05, Vol.9 (18), p.1196-11123
• Main Authors: Fouzaï, Imen, Gentil, Solène, Bassetto, Victor Costa, Silva, Wanderson Oliveira, Maher, Raddaoui, Girault, Hubert H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysts; Chemical energy; Deposition; Electrodes; Fabrication; Fuel cells; Fuel technology; New technology; Optimization; Phase boundaries; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Protons; Transport media
• ISSN: 2050-7488; 2050-7496
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ta07470e

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), designed mainly for mobility applications, converts chemical energy to electrical energy. The formation of electrodes for PEMFC is a delicate balance of transport media. The diffusion of gas, electrons, and protons, known as a triple phase boundary (TPB), plays a key role in the fuel cell operation and performance. Currently, in order to overcome the performance limitations in a practical PEMFC operation, R&D strategies have been focused on replacing Pt with non-noble based metal catalysts or by decreasing the overall Pt loading to below 0.1 mg Pt cm −2 by 2030 (DOE targets), as well as the optimization of the TPB structure. Furthermore, we present here a critical overview from different deposition techniques used in the fabrication of MEA and the effects on the TPB formation. In particular, we have discussed print-light synthesis as a new emerging technology for the catalyst deposition and nanostructure formation onto a broad range of supports. A critical overview of MEA fabrication techniques is given focusing on the formation of triple phase boundaries, known for increasing PEMFC performances. Print-light-synthesis is a new emerging technology to achieve nanostructred MEA.