Enhanced Water Management in PEMFCs: Perforated Catalyst Layer and Microporous Layers. Issue 11 (30th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohseninia, Arezou; Kartouzian, Dena; Schlumberger, Robert; Markötter, Henning; Wilhelm, Florian; Scholta, Joachim; Manke, Ingo
• Is Part Of: ChemSusChem. Volume 13:Issue 11(2020)
• Page Start: 2931
• Page End: 2934
• Publication Date: 2020-04-30
• Subjects: catalyst layer -- fuel cells -- microporous layer -- neutron tomography -- water management; Green chemistry -- Periodicals; Sustainable engineering -- Periodicals; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202000542
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1864-5631

Abstract

Abstract: An experimental in situ study was performed to investigate the effects of the catalyst layer (CL) and cathode microporous layer (MPLc ) perforation on the water management and performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Polymeric pore formers were utilized to produce perforated CL and MPL structures. High‐resolution neutron tomography was employed to visualize the liquid water content and distribution within different components of the cell under channel and land regions. The results revealed that at humid conditions, the perforated layers enhanced the liquid water transport under the channel regions. Moreover, at high current densities, the performance was improved for the cells with perforated layers compared to a baseline cell with non‐perforated layers, owing to reduced mass transport losses. Abstract : The lay(er) of the land : The effect of the catalyst layer and microporous layer perforation on water management and performance of PEMFCs is studied. High‐resolution operando neutron tomography is used to visualize the liquid water content and distribution beneath the land and channel regions. The perforated layers enhance the performance of the cells at high current densities owing to more efficient water transport through larger pores.