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

• 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
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2004.01.113

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.