A facile approach to improve the performance of alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells by reducing ionic resistance

In this study, by treating not only the membrane but also the whole membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with KOH solution prior to incorporation in alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells, an ionic pathway for hydroxide conduction has optimized in the catalyst layer. This lowers the ohmic resistance of the KOH-treated MEA as detected by the polarization curve and impedance spectroscopy analysis. The process has greater advantage for non-platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts than PGM catalysts, because of the lower active site density and consequent high loading required for non-PGM catalysts. (C) 2017 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.