Visualization, understanding, and mitigation of process-induced-membrane irregularities in gas diffusion electrode-based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Wang, Min1,4; Medina, Samantha2; Ochoa-Lozano, Josias1,3; Mauger, Scott1; Pylypenko, Svitlana1,2; Ulsh, Michael1; Bender, Guido1

2021-04-19

10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.01.186

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY   影响因子和分区

0360-3199

1879-3487

["Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) show substantial promise for their application in electric vehicles. For large-scale manufacturing of PEMFCs, roll-to-roll coated gas-diffusion-electrodes (GDE) offer certain advantages over other production pathways. Procedures including hot pressing and coating an ionomer overlayer may be necessary for this manufacturing pathway to enable a suitable catalyst layer/membrane interface. The same procedures may potentially introduce membrane irregularities, especially when thin membranes are used. Limited understanding exists regarding if and to what extent such irregularities impact PEMFC performance and lifetime, and therefore be considered defects.","In this study, NREL's customized fuel cell hardware that enables quasi in-situ infrared (IR) thermography studies was utilized to visualize spatial hydrogen crossover and identify membrane irregularities that originated from the GDE-based MEA fabrication process. The structure of these membrane irregularities was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and its impact on initial H-2/air performance was determined. Accelerated stress testing (AST) revealed that these irregularities develop into failure point locations. These results were validated across many MEAs with identified process-induced membrane irregularities. By selecting specific gas diffusion media properties and by fine tuning the MEA hot pressing parameters, the formation of such membrane irregularities was mitigated. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved."]

PEMFC MEA Membrane irregularity Hot pressing IR AST

SCI ; EI

英语

其他

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)[DE-AC36-08GO28308]

Chemistry ; Electrochemistry ; Energy & Fuels

Chemistry, Physical ; Electrochemistry ; Energy & Fuels

WOS:000639330400009

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

ENGINEERING

Web of Science

1.Natl Renewable Energy Lab, Chem & Nanosci Ctr, 15013 Denver West Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401 USA
2.Colorado Sch Mines, Dept Chem, Golden, CO 80401 USA
3.Univ Calif Riverside, Dept Chem & Environm Engn, Riverside, CA 92521 USA
4.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China

Wang, Min,Medina, Samantha,Ochoa-Lozano, Josias,et al. Visualization, understanding, and mitigation of process-induced-membrane irregularities in gas diffusion electrode-based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells[J]. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY,2021,46(27).

Wang, Min.,Medina, Samantha.,Ochoa-Lozano, Josias.,Mauger, Scott.,Pylypenko, Svitlana.,...&Bender, Guido.(2021).Visualization, understanding, and mitigation of process-induced-membrane irregularities in gas diffusion electrode-based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY,46(27).

Wang, Min,et al."Visualization, understanding, and mitigation of process-induced-membrane irregularities in gas diffusion electrode-based polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells".INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY 46.27(2021).