Effective single web–structured electrode for high membrane electrode assembly performance in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

• Published in: Science advances Vol. 9; no. 17; p. eadf4863
• Main Authors: Ji, Yunseong, Kwon, Ohchan, Jeon, Ok Sung, Yim, Sungdae, Jeon, Yukwon, Shul, Yong-gun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Association for the Advancement of Science 28.04.2023
• Subjects: Electrochemistry; Materials Science; Physical and Materials Sciences; SciAdv r-articles
• ISSN: 2375-2548; 2375-2548
• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf4863

To achieve a sustainable society, CO 2 emissions must be reduced and efficiency of energy systems must be enhanced. The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has zero CO 2 emissions and high effectiveness for various applications. A well-designed membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA) composed of electrode layers of effective materials and structure can alter the performance and durability of PEMFC. We demonstrate an efficient electrode deposition method through a well-designed carbon single web with a porous 3D web structure that can be commercially adopted. To achieve excellent electrochemical properties, active Pt nanoparticles are controlled by a nanoglue effect on a highly graphitized carbon surface. The developed MEA exhibits a notable maximum power density of 1082 mW/cm 2 at 80°C, H 2 /air, 50% RH, and 1.8 atm; low cathode loading of 0.1 mg Pt /cm 2 ; and catalytic performance decays of only 23.18 and 13.42% under commercial-based durability protocols, respectively, thereby achieving all desirables for commercial applications. High performance MEA in PEMFC through direct electrode fabrication, using a well-designed and durable carbon single web.