Using SiO 2 Nanopowders in Anode Catalyst Layer to Improve the Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell at Low Humidity

Abstract

In this study, the transfer method is\remployed to add hydrophilic SiO2 nanopowders to a Pt/C catalyst ink to form an\ranode catalyst layer on a proton exchange membrane (PEM). The SiO2-layered\rmembrane electrode assembly improves the performance of the PEM under low- or\rzero-humidification conditions. When the PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) undergoes\relectrochemical reaction, the moisture content of the PEM exhibits a\rsubstantial influence on the transmission of protons. To ensure the moisture\rcontent remains high, an external humidifier is typically employed to humidify\rthe majority of PEMFCs. However, self-humidifying PEMFCs could utilize the\rwater produced by the fuel cell reaction, thereby eliminating the need for an\rexternal humidifier. In this study, various SiO2 loadings were added to an\ranode catalyst layer, and the cell temperature and gas humidification\rconditions were adjusted to determine the influence of the SiO2 loadings on the\rfuel cell performance. The results show that adding SiO2 is preferable to not\radding SiO2 when the fuel cell temperature is 50°C.