The Influence of Ink Formulation and Preparation on the Performance of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Abstract

The fabrication step of the catalyst layer (CL) is important to master in order to achieve good performance in fuel cells. Nevertheless, the final structure of a CL depends on many factors, such as the ink composition and preparation, as well as the order of its preparation steps. However, it is not easy for neophytes to understand the relationship between the composition of the ink with the obtained structure of the catalyst layer and its performance in fuel cells. In this work, a systemic experimental study was carried out in order to qualitatively correlate the performance of the PEMFC with the structure of the catalyst layer by playing on different parameters such as the composition and preparation of the ink and the operating conditions. All of the prepared samples were characterized by electron microscopy and profilometry, as well as by electrochemical tests at a single-cell level. The main results show that (i) the chosen ratio and ingredients result in a catalyst layer structure that can affect the PEMFC performance in different ways, and (ii) the reproducibility of the results requires particular care in the choice of catalyst and carbon support.

Keywords

• catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs)
• catalyst layers (CLs)
• ink formulation and preparation
• physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations
• proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)