Combined local current distribution measurements and high resolution neutron radiography of operating Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

The current and fluid distribution in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFCs) was investigated in situ by means of combined high resolution neutron radiography and locally resolved current distribution measurements. The used neutron radiography set-up allows high spatial resolutions down to 70 μm at the full test cell area. A local formation of water droplets in the cathode flow field channels could be observed. Strongly inhomogeneous current distributions during cathodic flooding processes result in a performance loss of up to 30% of the initial value. Single CO₂ bubbles can be observed at low current densities. The water and current distribution during bi-functional operation of a DMFC was measured for the first time.     

Operando 3D Visualization of Migration and Degradation of a Platinum Cathode Catalyst in a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

The three‐dimensional (3D) distribution and oxidation state of a Pt cathode catalyst in a practical membrane electrode assembly (MEA) were visualized in a practical polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) under fuel‐cell operating conditions. Operando 3D computed‐tomography imaging with X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy (CT‐XANES) clearly revealed the heterogeneous migration and degradation of Pt cathode catalyst in an MEA during accelerated degradation test (ADT) of PEFC. The degradative Pt migration proceeded over the entire cathode catalyst layer and spread to MEA depth direction into the Nafion membrane.     

On the role of the microporous layer in PEMFC operation

The condition of liquid water breakthrough at the cathode of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC) is studied experimentally and data on corresponding water saturation and capillary pressure are provided for gas diffusion layers (GDL) with and without a microporous layer (MPL). The data demonstrate that the GDL saturation at water breakthrough is drastically reduced from ca. 25% to ca. 5% in the presence of MPL. This observation is consistent with considerations of invasion percolation in finite-size lattices and suggests an explanation for the role of MPL in improving PEMFC performance at high current densities.     

Platinum dissolution and deposition in the polymer electrolyte membrane of a PEM fuel cell as studied by potential cycling

The behavior of platinum dissolution and deposition in the polymer electrolyte membrane of a membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) for a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was studied using potential cycling experiment and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The electrochemically active surface area decreased depending on the cycle number and the upper potential limit. Platinum deposition was observed in the polymer electrolyte membrane near a cathode catalyst layer. Platinum deposition was accelerated by the presence of hydrogen transported through the membrane from an anode compartment. Platinum was transported across the membrane and deposited on the anode layer in the absence of hydrogen in the anode compartment. This deposition was also affected by the presence of oxygen in the cathode compartment.     

The influence of membrane electrode assembly water content on the performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell as investigated by 1H NMR microscopy

The relation between the performance of a self-humidifying H(2)/O(2) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and the amount and distribution of water as observed using (1)H NMR microscopy was investigated. The integrated (1)H NMR image signal intensity (proportional to water content) from the region of the polymer electrolyte membrane between the catalyst layers was found to correlate well with the power output of the fuel cell. Several examples are provided which demonstrate the sensitivity of the (1)H NMR image intensity to the operating conditions of the fuel cell. Changes in the O(2)(g) flow rate cause predictable trends in both the power density and the image intensity. Higher power densities, achieved by decreasing the resistance of the external circuit, were found to increase the water in the PEM. An observed plateau of both the power density and the integrated (1)H NMR image signal intensity from the membrane electrode assembly and subsequent decline of the power density is postulated to result from the accumulation of H(2)O(l) in the gas diffusion layer and cathode flow field. The potential of using (1)H NMR microscopy to obtain the absolute water content of the polymer electrolyte membrane is discussed and several recommendations for future research are provided.     

Investigation of the role of the micro-porous layer in polymer electrolyte fuel cells with hydrogen deuterium contrast neutron radiography

In this study, the high resolution hydrogen-deuterium contrast radiography method was applied to elucidate the impact of the micro-porous layer (MPL) on water distribution in the porous fuel cell media. At the steady state, deuterium replaced hydrogen in the anode stream, and the large difference in neutron attenuation of the D(2)O produced at the cathode was used to track the produced water. It was found that the water content peaked in the cathode-side diffusion media (DM) for the cell without MPL, but with an MPL on the anode and cathode DM, the peak water amount was pushed toward the anode, resulting in a relatively flattened water profile through components and demonstrating a liquid barrier effect. Additionally, the dynamic water behavior in diffusion media was analyzed to understand the effect of a MPL and operating conditions. The water content in the DM changed with applied current, although there is a significant amount of residual liquid content that does not appear to be part of capillary channels. The effect of the MPL on irreducible saturation in DM and cell performance was also investigated.     

A novel electrode architecture for passive direct methanol fuel cells

The supply of cathode reactants in a passive direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) relies on naturally breathing oxygen from ambient air. The successful operation of this type of passive fuel cell requires the overall mass transfer resistance of oxygen through the layered fuel cell structure to be minimized such that the voltage loss due to the oxygen concentration polarization can be reduced. In this work, we propose a new membrane electrode assembly (MEA), in which the conventional cathode gas diffusion layer (GDL) is eliminated while utilizing a porous metal structure for transporting oxygen and collecting current. We show theoretically that the new MEA enables a higher mass transfer rate of oxygen and thus better performance. The measured polarization and constant-current discharging behavior showed that the passive DMFC with the new MEA yielded better and much more stable performance than did the cell having the conventional MEA. The EIS spectrum analysis further demonstrated that the improved performance with the new MEA was attributed to the enhanced transport of oxygen as a result of the reduced mass transfer resistance in the fuel cell system.     

Membrane Electrode Assembly for Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction: Principle and Application

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) systems is a promising technology. Gaseous CO₂ can be directly transported to the cathode catalyst layer, leading to enhanced reaction rate. Meanwhile, there is no liquid electrolyte between the cathode and the anode, which can help to improve the energy efficiency of the whole system. The remarkable progress achieved recently points out the way to realize industrially relevant performance. In this review, we focus on the principles in MEA for CO₂RR, focusing on gas diffusion electrodes and ion exchange membranes. Furthermore, anode processes beyond the oxidation of water are considered. Besides, the voltage distribution is scrutinized to identify the specific losses related to the individual components. We also summarize the progress on the generation of different reduced products together with the corresponding catalysts. Finally, the challenges and opportunities are highlighted for future research.     

Transient observation of H labeled species in an operating PEFC using neutron radiography

High resolution neutron radiography was used to observe the time resolved distribution of ²H nuclei in the membrane of an operating polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) after changing the anode gas from ¹H₂ to ²H₂. The rate of replacement and the distribution of ²H nuclei shortly after the change of the anode gas were found to be independent of the applied current density. This behavior can be explained by a high exchange current density of the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), the uptake of ²H nuclei in the membrane being limited by diffusive transport. A simple calculation as well as qualitative analysis is given to support this explanation.     

碱性聚合物电解质膜的表面锥形阵列结构提升燃料电池性能

燃料电池作为一种清洁高效的能量转换装置,被认为是构建未来社会可再生能源结构的关键一环。不同于质子交换膜燃料电池(PEMFC),碱性聚合物电解质燃料电池(APEFC)的出现使非贵金属催化剂的使用成为可能,因而受到了日益广泛的关注和研究。APEFC的关键结构是膜电极,主要由聚合物电解质膜和阴阳极(含催化层、气体扩散层)组成,膜电极是电化学反应发生的场所,其优劣直接决定着电池性能的好坏。因此,基于现有的碱性聚合物电解质及催化剂体系,如何构筑更加优化的膜电极结构,使APEFC发挥出更高的电池性能是亟待开展的研究。本文首先通过模板法在碱性聚合物电解质膜的表面构建出有序的锥形阵列,再将具有阵列结构的一侧作为阴极来构筑膜电极,同时,作为对比,制备了由无阵列结构的聚合物电解质膜构筑而成的膜电极,最后对基于两种不同膜电极的APEFC的电化学性能进行了对比研究。实验结果表明,锥形阵列结构可以将APEFC的峰值功率密度由1.04 W·cm-2显著提高到1.48 W·cm-2,这主要归因于在APEFC的阴极侧具有锥形阵列结构的聚合物电解质膜的亲水性的提升和催化剂电化学活性面积的增加。本工作为碱性聚合物电解质燃...     

Study on a novel manufacturing process of membrane electrode assemblies for solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis

A novel manufacturing process for catalyst coated membrane (CCM) was utilized to fabricate the membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) water electrolysis. The properties and performance of the modified CCM were analyzed and evaluated by SEM, electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and I–V curves. The characterizations reveal that the sprayed Nafion layers are very effective for increasing the reaction interface between SPE and the electrode catalyst layer. The test experiments show that the SPE water electrolyzer with new MEA structure can lower about 0.1 V of water electrolysis voltage at atmosphere pressure and 2 A cm⁻².     

Application of polysulfone (PSf)– and polyether ether ketone (PEEK)–tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) composite membranes for water electrolysis

The ion exchange membrane using polysulfone (PSf) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) as a basic material was prepared to apply in the polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis (PEME). The sulfonated block copolymer of PSf and poly(phenylene sulfide sulfone) (SPSf-co-PPSS) and the sulfonated PEEK (SPEEK) were blended with tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) to avoid water swelling at elevated temperatures led to decrease in mechanical strength. These prepared ion exchange membranes showed some interesting characteristics including physicochemical stabilities, mechanical and membrane properties.The prepared ion exchange membrane was utilized to prepare the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). MEA consisted of Pt/PEM/Pt was prepared by equilibrium and non-equilibrium impregnation–reduction (I–R) methods. The prepared MEA by non-equilibrium I–R method was used in the PEME unit cell. The cell voltages of the MEA using SPSf-co-PPSS/TPA and SPEEK/TPA membranes were 1.83 V and 1.90 V at 1 A/cm² and 80 °C, with platinum loadings of 1.12 and 1.01 mg/cm², respectively.     

A platinum-like behavior electrocatalyst and solid polymer electrolyte technique used on high concentration of electrochemical ozone water generation

This study presents an advanced ozone production process using the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) technique, similar to the fabrication of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Tungsten carbide and platinum on carbon black are coated on anode and cathode sides of a polymer membrane (Du Pont), respectively, to produce high concentration of ozone water. The water electrolysis of ozone generation requires a higher voltage than that of hydrogen production. On one hand, tungsten carbide, which is a platinum-like behavior electrocatalyst, plays a key role in preventing the MEA from corroding or oxidizing under high voltage. On the other hand, the carbon paper is replaced by a titanium porous disc to bear higher voltage. Moreover, an outstanding electronic control system can produce 1.37 ppm ozone water at atmosphere by adjusting the voltage range (6–10 V) with a current set to the maximum of 3 A for a household demand of ozone water generation.     

Spatially resolved characterization of PEFCs using simultaneously neutron radiography and locally resolved impedance spectroscopy

A method for performing neutron radiography and locally resolved impedance spectroscopy simultaneously in situ in an operating polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is presented. The new method provides concurrently spatially resolved information about the local cell performance, the locally limiting processes, and the liquid water distribution. Information about the impact of water on cell performance and limiting processes can be gained in situ on a local scale in an operating PEFC. The method was applied to a PEFC operated on pure H₂/O₂ in co-flow mode under low humidity operating conditions. The results show that in co-flow mode strong flooding and severe drying can occur at the very same time in different sections of a PEFC.     

A novel MEA architecture for improving the performance of a DMFC

Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) consisting of a double-catalytic layered membrane electrode assembly (MEA) provide higher performance than that with the traditional MEA. This novel structured MEA includes a hydrophilic inner catalyst layer and a traditional electrode with an outer catalyst layer, which was made using both catalyst coated membrane (CCM) and gas diffusion electrode (GDE) methods. The inner catalyst was PtRu black on anode and Pt black on cathode. The outer catalyst was carbon supported Pt–Ru/Pt on anode and cathode, respectively. Thus in the double-catalytic layered electrodes three gradients were formed: catalyst concentration gradient, hydrophilicity gradient and porosity gradient, resulting in good mass transfer, proton and electron conducting and low methanol crossover. The peak density of DMFC with such MEA was 19 mW cm⁻², operated at 2 M CH₃OH, 2 atm oxygen at room temperature, which was much higher than DMFC with traditional MEA.     

Impact of Membrane Types and Catalyst Layers Composition on Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Performance of a low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is highly dependent on the kind of catalysts, catalyst supports, ionomer amount on the catalyst layers (CL), membrane types and operating conditions. In this work, we investigated the influence of membrane types and CL compositions on MEA performance. MEA performance increases under all practically relevant load conditions with reduction of the membrane thickness from 50 to 15 μm, however further decrease in membrane thickness from 15 to 10 μm leads to reduction in cell voltage at high current loads. A thick anode CL is found to be beneficial under wet operating conditions assuming more pore space is provided to accommodate liquid water, whereas under dry operating conditions, an intermediate thickness of the anode CL is beneficial. When studying the impact of catalyst layer thickness, too thin a catalyst layer again shows reduced performance due to increased ohmic resistance ruled out the performance of the MEAs which have identical Pt crystallite sizes on the cathode CLs i. e. the thinnest the cathode CL, the highest the voltage were achieved at a defined current load. Adaptation of the operating conditions is highly anticipated to achieve the highest MEA performance.     

MEA with double-layered catalyst cathode to mitigate methanol crossover in DMFC

Methanol permeation is one of the key problems for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications. It is necessary to change the structure of the cathode of membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Therefore, a novel MEA with double-layered catalyst cathode was prepared in this paper. The double-layered catalyst consists of PtRu black as inner catalyst layer and Pt black as outer catalyst layer. The inner catalyst layer is prepared for oxidation of the methanol permeated from anode. The results indicate that this double-layered catalyst reduced the effects of methanol crossover and assimilated mixed potential losses. The performance of MEA with double-layered catalyst cathode was 52.2 mW cm⁻², which was a remarkable improvement compared with the performance of MEA with traditional cathode. The key factor responsible for the improved performance is the optimization of the electrode structure.     

A novel membrane electrode assembly for improving the efficiency of the unitized regenerative fuel cell

A novel membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) has been developed. The MEA was fabricated to improve the efficiency of the URFC by a Nafion-pyrolyzed method. The polarization curves for fuel cell and water electrolysis modes of URFC operation both were investigated. The MEA improved water management and minimized mass transport limitations. The URFC using the novel MEA exhibited a high water electrolysis performance and a much higher fuel cell performance than that of the URFC using the conventional MEA. The efficiency of fuel cell and round-trip enhanced 13.5% and 10.8% at 700 mA/cm² with the novel MEA respectively.     

降低直接甲醇燃料电池浓差极化的含磺化碳管阻水夹层的构建

采用直接接枝法, 将来自对氨基苯磺酸的苯磺酸官能团引入氧化多壁碳纳米管, 制得磺化多壁碳纳米管(SO₃-MCNT). 再以SO₃-MCNT为填料, 以Nafion离聚物为黏结剂, 利用超声喷涂在商业N212质子交换膜一侧构建了新的膜层, 获得了一种复合膜(SO₃-MCNT?N212). 使用SO₃-MCNT?N212制备燃料电池膜电极(MEA), 并用于直接甲醇燃料电池(DMFC)测试. 与使用普通N212膜的膜电极相比, 该膜电极的性能得到明显提升. 进一步分析表明, SO₃-MCNT膜层的引入降低了阳极向阴极的跨膜水迁移作用, 缓解了阴极的水淹, 从而降低了浓差极化, 提升了膜电极的性能.     

Contact resistance between gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer of PEM fuel cell

In this study, the electrical contact resistance between gas diffusion layer (GDL) and catalyst layer (CL) on an electrolyte membrane was experimentally evaluated as a function of compression. The contact resistances between the GDL and CL decreased nonlinearly as the GDL thickness decreased due to the compression pressure. The values of the contact resistance between the GDL and CL were found to be more than one order of magnitude larger than the contact resistance between the GDL and graphite, and even comparable to the ionic resistance of the membrane. Because of the large value and variation in contact resistance between the GDL and CL, severe current distribution may be created inside the cell. The results reported here should be highly useful in providing a more accurate picture of the transport phenomena in a fuel cell.