A mathematical model and optimization of the cathode catalyst layer structure in PEM fuel cells

A spherical flooded-agglomerate model for the cathode catalyst layer of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which includes the kinetics of oxygen reduction, at the catalyst|electrolyte interface, proton transport through the polymer electrolyte network, the oxygen diffusion through gas pore, and t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Electrochimica acta 2004-11, Vol.50 (2), p.725-730
Main Authors: Wang, Qianpu, Song, Datong, Navessin, Titichai, Holdcroft, Steven, Liu, Zhongsheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Catalyst layer
Chemistry
Corrosion
Corrosion mechanisms
Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation
Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering
Electrical power engineering
Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells
Electrochemistry
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc
Exact sciences and technology
Fuel cells
General and physical chemistry
Mass transport
Mathematical modeling
Metals. Metallurgy
PEM fuel cell
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Summary:A spherical flooded-agglomerate model for the cathode catalyst layer of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which includes the kinetics of oxygen reduction, at the catalyst|electrolyte interface, proton transport through the polymer electrolyte network, the oxygen diffusion through gas pore, and the dissolved oxygen diffusion through electrolyte, is considered. Analytical and numerical solutions are obtained in various control regimes. These are the limits of (i) oxygen diffusion control, (ii) proton conductivity control, and (iii) mixture control. The structure and material parameters, such as porosity, agglomerate size, catalyst layer thickness and proton conductivity, on the performance are investigated under these limits. The model could help to characterize the system properties and operation modes, and to optimize catalyst layer design.
ISSN:0013-4686
1873-3859
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2004.01.113