Materials characterization of thin film electrodes for PEFC - Survey of methods and an example

• Thorough materials characterization is an essential tool for obtaining a deeper understanding of the electrochemical processes taking place in thin film electrodes of polymer fuel cells. This paper gives a survey of different methods for characterizing materials properties that are relevant to the electrochemical performance of such electrodes (i.e. loading, thickness, electrical conductivity, porosity, pore size distribution and pore morphology). The use of these materials characterization methods is exemplified, among other things it is shown that the ionomer (Nafion(R)) in a thin-film electrode made by the spraying method is homogeneously distributed in pores smaller than 40 nm. Furthermore, the ionomer penetrates and/or encapsulates the primary carbon particles of 30 nm. The results are discussed in relation to different MEA fabrication methods.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Materialkemi (hsv//swe)

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

Nyckelord

PEMFC

porosimetry

electron microscopy

SEM

TEM

membrane fuel-cell

gas-diffusion electrodes

pt loading electrodes

catalyst layer

performance

carbon

cathode

microstructure

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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