3D patterned electrodes for ultra-low platinum fuel cells. (15th February 2022) - Yang, Yifei
Abstract: In this study, a new fabrication technique, template-assisted electrospinning/electrospraying (E/E), was developed and successfully produced organized-structured nanofiber-nanoparticle electrodes with well-defined 3D hexagonal patterned arrays of various pattern sizes ( i.e., pattern diameters of 40, 80, 160, and 360 μm). At similar ultra-low platinum loadings ( ca. 0.06 mgPt cm −2 ), the 80 μm diameter hexagonal patterned electrodes exhibited 14% higher fuel cell power densities and 68% higher electrochemical surface area compared to the random electrode analogs (without patterns). Among different pattern sizes, electrodes with an 80 μm diameter hexagonal pattern resulted in the highest fuel cell platinum utilization and lowest electrode resistance. Additionally, patterned electrodes with smaller diameters achieved improved mechanical stiffness compared to random oriented electrodes. Compared to electrodes produced via conventional techniques and ink-based patterning techniques, the template-assisted E/E technique provides a versatile platform for investigating the effect of pattern type and size on fuel cell platinum utilization under ultra-low platinum loadings. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: 3D patterned electrodes via template-assisted electrospinning/electrospraying. Nanofiber-nanoparticle electrodes with well-defined hexagonal patterned arrays. High platinum utilization at ultra-low platinum loadings. 80 μm hexagonal pattern size resulted in the highest fuel cell performance.