Modeling Electrochemical Performance of the Hierarchical Morphology of Precious Group Metal-Free Cathode for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

  • Babu S
  • Chung H
  • Zelenay P
  • et al.
33Citations
Citations of this article
52Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

This paper presents a two-dimensional (2D) computational model of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) with a platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalyst cathode that can significantly reduce PEFC costs by eliminating the need for expensive platinum catalysts. Due to their comparatively low volumetric activity, PGM-free cathodes are an order of magnitude thicker than their Pt-based counterpart. The resulting need for greater electrode thickness to achieve sufficient power density requires careful attention to the transport losses across the thicker cathodes. The presented model is used to correlate the composition and morphology of the cathode to PEFC performance. The model is a complete cell, continuum model that includes an advanced agglomerate model for a microstructurally consistent representation of the cathode. A unique feature of the approach is the integration of morphology and transport parameter statistics extracted from nano-scale resolution X-ray computed tomography (nano-CT) imaging of PGM-free cathodes. The model was validated with experimental results of PGM-free cathodes with varying Nafion loading. Our key findings are a need for increased cathode hydrophobicity and increased ionomer conductivity through either reduced tortuosity or increased bulk conductivity. We further use the model to evaluate targets for the volumetric activity and active site density for future catalysts.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Babu, S. K., Chung, H. T., Zelenay, P., & Litster, S. (2017). Modeling Electrochemical Performance of the Hierarchical Morphology of Precious Group Metal-Free Cathode for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell. Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 164(9), F1037–F1049. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0041712jes

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free