Optimization of cathode microporous layer materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cell

The microporous layer (MPL) of diffusion medium has an important impact on the water management ability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In this study, six kinds of carbon black were used to prepare the cathode MPL. The thickness, conductivity, pore structure, hydrophobicity, and surface microstructure of MPL were characterized. The single cell was prepared and electrochemical tests were performed. The results showed that the single cell prepared by Acetylene black (ACET) and Vulcan XC-72R has a considerable power generation performance. In addition, polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene copolymer P(VDF-HFP) was used to replace Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as hydrophobic binder. MPL with different P(VDF-HFP) contents were prepared, and the single cell performance was investigated. The results showed that all the single cells prepared by P(VDF-HFP) were worse than that of PTFE. This study provides an important reference for further improving the performance of fuel cells from the perspective of material optimization with MPL. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, the impact of different carbon blacks on the formation of cathode MPL for proton exchange membrane fuel cells was investigated. It was found that single cells prepared with a mixture of Acetylene black (ACET) and Vulcan XC-72R showed promising power generation performance, while replacing Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene copolymer P(VDF-HFP) as a hydrophobic binder led to a decrease in single cell performance. This study provides valuable insights for material optimization of MPL to enhance fuel cell performance.