Hydrophobic modification enhances the microstructure stability of the catalyst layer in alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

ABSTRACT: Alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFCs) have achieved notable advancements in peak power density, yet their durability during long-term operation remains a significant challenge. It has been recognized that increasing the hydrophobicity of the catalyst layer can effectively alleviate the performance degradation. However, a microscopic view of how hydrophobicity contributes to the stability of the catalyst layer microstructure is not clear. Here, we construct a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with enhanced structural stability and durability by incorporating polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles into the catalyst layer. MEAs modified by this approach exhibit stabilized voltage platforms in current step tests and reduced hysteresis in current-voltage polarization curves during

SUBMITTER: Ma J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11342164 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature