Enhancement of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance by boiling a membrane electrode assembly in sulfuric acid solution

A catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) as used in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is treated by dilute sulfuric acid solution (0.5 M) at boiling temperature for 1 h. This treatment improves the single-cell performance of the CCM without further addition of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of power sources 2010-09, Vol.195 (18), p.5952-5956
Main Authors: Cho, Yong-Hun, Kim, Jinho, Yoo, Sung Jong, Jeon, Tae-Yeol, Ahn, Minjeh, Jung, Namgee, Cho, Yoon-Hwan, Lim, Ju Wan, Lee, Joong Kee, Yoon, Won-Sub, Sung, Yung-Eun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Assembly
Boiling
Catalyst-coated membrane
Catalysts
Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation
Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering
Electrical power engineering
Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells
Electrodes
Electrolytes
Energy
Energy. Thermal use of fuels
Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc
Exact sciences and technology
Fuel cells
Membranes
Microstructure
Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Pretreatment
Sulfuric acid solution
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Summary:A catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) as used in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is treated by dilute sulfuric acid solution (0.5 M) at boiling temperature for 1 h. This treatment improves the single-cell performance of the CCM without further addition of Pt catalyst. The changed microstructure and electrochemical properties of the catalyst layer are investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, mercury intrusion porosimetry, waterdrop contact angle measurement, Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry in attenuated total reflection mode, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The results indicate that this pretreatment enhances MEA performance by changing the microstructure of the catalyst layer and thus changing the degree of hydration, and by modifying the Pt surface, thus enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction.
ISSN:0378-7753
1873-2755
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2009.12.096