Tailoring catalyst layer structures for anion exchange membrane fuel cells by controlling the size of ionomer aggreates in dispersion

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Switzerland : 1996), 2022-01, Vol.427 (C), p.131737, Article 131737
• Main Authors: Hyun, Jonghyun, Jeon, Jong Yeob, Doo, Gisu, Jung, Jinkwan, Choi, Sungyu, Lee, Dong-Hyun, Lee, Dong Wook, Kwen, Jiyun, Jo, Wonhee, Bae, Chulsung, Kim, Hee-Tak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anion exchange membrane fuel cells; Catalyst layers; Ionomer dispersion solvents, Water flooding; Ionomer distribution
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.131737

[Display omitted] •The size of ionomer aggregate in dispersion is controllable with organic cosolvent.•The ionomer distribution and porosity of catalyst layers are designed.•Uniform ionomer distribution is preferred for cathode catalyst layer.•Water flooding can be mitigated by increasing the porosity of anode catalyst layer. The development of anion exchange membranes and ionomers plays a critical role in performance of anion exchange membrane fuel cells. However, the optimal design of catalyst layer structures still remains unexplored despite its significance. Herein, the rational design guide is presented for cathode and anode catalyst layers using m-TPN1 ionomer by controlling the size of ionomer aggregates in dispersion and comparing various catalyst layer structures. The size of m-TPN1 aggregates decreases, creating a more uniform ionomer distribution and a larger triple-phase-boundary. As ionomer distribution of the cathode catalyst layer becomes more uniform, the power density of membrane-electrode-assembly is enhanced. Also, the power density at fully humidified condition strongly correlates with the porosity of anode catalyst layer due to the limitation of hydrogen transport at anode by water flooding.