Dependence of oxygen transport properties of catalyst layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cells on the fabrication process

Abstract

Herein, we report the oxygen transport phenomenon in the cathode catalyst layer of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The oxygen transport resistance in the catalyst layer depended on the hot-pressing temperature of the fabrication procedure, suggesting morphological changes in the perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer of the catalyst layers. This work aims to highlight the importance of the manufacturing process in the oxygen transport properties of the catalyst layer.

Keywords

• Polymer electrolyte fuel cell
• Catalyst layer
• Ionomer
• Fabrication process
• Oxygen transport phenomena