Porous electrode optimization in anion-exchange membrane fuel cells

• The performance of anion-exchange membrane fuel cells is highly dependent on electrode preparation. This study has investigated the influence of water content and catalyst to ionomer ratio in the electrode ink on in-situ fuel cell performance and the electrode microstructure using SEM. It has shown that changing the solvent composition affects the electrode properties. Higher water content in ink results in a lower power density. An increase in water content from 40 to 70 vol% shows a 500 mA/cm2 drop in current density. SEM analysis of newly prepared electrodes revealed an observable difference in the microstructure. This indicates that for high water volume the ionomer distribution in the electrode is very uneven. The results also indicate that lower ionomer content in the bulk of the structure lowers the cell performance, which may be explained by limited hydroxide transportation.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Anion exchange membranes (AEM)

Electrode composition

Electrode ink

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC)

Alkaline fuel cells

Electrodes

Electrolytes

Fuel cells

Gas fuel purification

Ion exchange membranes

Ionomers

Ions

Microstructure

Polyelectrolytes

Anion-exchange membrane fuel cells

Electrode microstructures

Electrode preparation

Fuel cell performance

Increase in water content

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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