Effect of Cathode Proton Conductivity on PGM-free PEM Fuel Cell Performance
Abstract
The most promising alternative to Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications is a class of electrocatalysts consisting of atomically dispersed transition metals (Fe and Mn) in a matrix of carbon and nitrogen, so called M-N-C materials [1]. Currently, the emerging novel M-N-C materials demonstrated 30% of PGM catalyst activity [1]. Performance of PGM-free electrocatalysts can be improved by increasing density of M-Nx sites or optimizing their accessibility through proper integration into the triple phase catalyst layer in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Since overall MEA’s performance depends on properties of all its components: membrane, electrodes and gas diffusion layers (GDL), it is important to understand impact of these materials on PGM-free fuel cell operation. In this work we report effects of membrane thickness on performance of PGM-free PEMFCs using various electrochemical methods and modelling.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1149/ma2020-02412686mtgabs
Entities
People
- Alexey Serov
- Andrei Kulikovsky
- Barr Zulevi
- Guenter Randolf
- Madeleine Odgaard
- Tatyana V. Reshetenko