Influence of the composition on the structure and electrochemical characteristics of the PEFC cathode

• The influence the composition of the cathode has on its structure and electrochemical performance was investigated for a Nafion content spanning from 10 to 70 wt.%. The cathodes were formed on a Nafion membrane by the spray method and using 20 wt.% Pt on Vulcan (E-TEK). Materials characterisation (SEM, STEM, gas and mercury porosimetry, electron conductivity) and electrochemical characterisation (steady-state polarisation curve, impedance spectroscopy in O-2 and current-pulse measurements in N-2) were performed. The impedance spectra were analysed using our dynamic agglomerate model. The results indicate that the agglomerate model is valid until a Nafion content of about 45 wt.%. Pt/C and Nation are homogeneously mixed for any composition and no Nafion film was observed. The cathodes containing 36-43 wt.% Nation display a single or double Tafel slope behaviour ascribed to diffusion limitations in the agglomerates. At larger Nation content, the agglomerate model can describe the curves only by assuming a diffusion coefficient 3-4 decades smaller than that of gases. At such compositions, the porosity was only 10%. These results were interpreted as a blocking of the pores and a non-percolating pore system for too large Nafion contents.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

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

Nyckelord

PEFC cathode

nafion content

electrochemical characterisation

material characterisation

agglomerate model

electrolyte fuel-cells

gas-diffusion electrodes

mass-transport limitations

catalyst layer

performance

Chemistry

Kemi

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