A comprehensive review on water management strategies and developments in anion exchange membrane fuel cells. (31st July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gutru, Rambabu; Turtayeva, Zarina; Xu, Feina; Maranzana, Gaël; Vigolo, Brigitte; Desforges, Alexandre
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 45:Number 38(2020)
• Page Start: 19642
• Page End: 19663
• Publication Date: 2020-07-31
• Subjects: AEMFC -- Microporous layers -- Gas diffusion layers -- Ionomers -- Electrocatalysts -- Relative humidity; PEMFC Proton exchange membrane fuel cell -- AFC Alkaline fuel cell -- AEM Anion exchange membrane -- AEMFC Anion exchange membrane fuel cell -- HOR Hydrogen oxidation reaction -- ORR Oxygen reduction reaction -- GDL Gas diffusion layer -- MPL Micro porous layer -- PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene -- MEA Membrane electrode assembly -- CL Catalyst layers -- CCL Cathode catalyst layer -- ACL Anode catalyst layer -- CDL Cathode diffusion layer -- CMPL Cathode micro porous layer -- AMPL Anode micro porous layer -- AEI Anion exchange ionomer -- QA Quaternary ammonium -- TMBA Trimethylbenzyl ammonium bromide -- TEBA Triethylbenzyl ammonium chloride -- IES Ion exchange sites -- RH Relative humidity -- VBTAC Vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride -- MAPTAC 3-methacryloylamino propyl trimethylammonium chloride -- DOE Department of energy -- ETFE Ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.05.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In spite of significant achievements in alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) in recent years, they are still lagging behind proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to performance instability. Among the relevant operational parameters of AEMFC, the researchers have found that poor water management within the cell was the main reason for failure of the system. In the past five years, numerous modeling and experimental works were reported proposing different strategies to improve water management of AEMFC. With proper water management, the achievable power output in AEMFCs is comparable with that of PEMFCs or even more. Efforts have to be continued, but AEMFCs can become a strong competitor in the market place. This review paper discusses the strategies and developments impacting water management of AEMFCs providing knowledge source for upcoming studies. Highlights: Water dynamics are more complex in AEMFC than PEMFC. PTFE in GDL plays crucial role in water management. Pt and ionomer loading in the electrode strongly impacts water management. AEM with low diffusion resistance mitigates anode flooding. Operating conditions ( RH, T ) should be optimized for stable AEMFC performance.