Structural Control and Evaluation of PEMFC Catalyst Layers by Blending Platinum-Supported/Stand-Alone Carbon Black

摘要

In proton exchange membrane fuel cells, catalyst layers are one of the most important components to achieve both higher performance and cost reduction. In this study, a method to control the structure of the catalyst layers by blending platinum-supported and stand-alone carbon black was adopted. Catalyst layers in which either thickness or platinum loading were independently controlled were synthesized and evaluated in fuel cell operation. It was clarified that lowering platinum loading deteriorated cell performance while thinning catalyst layer showed better performance. These results indicate that local transport in the catalyst layers plays an important role on cell performance in severe operating conditions.