Revealing the Oxygen Transport Challenges in Catalyst Layers in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Water Electrolysis

Abstract

Highlights Mechanisms of the bulk and local oxygen transport in cathode catalyst layers (CCLs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are presented. State-of-the-art strategies to mitigate the oxygen transport resistance in CCLs in PEMFCs are reviewed, including the novel structure design, carbon supports design, and ionomer design. New directions for oxygen transport development in anode catalyst layers (ACLs) in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWEs) are inspired by the PEMFCs.

Keywords

• Proton exchange membrane fuel cells
• Water electrolysis
• Oxygen transport
• Pore structure
• Ionomer thin films
• Agglomerate engineering