Significance of the thermal conductivity of the catalyst layer for heat dissipation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

摘要

Thermal management is one of the critical concerns that must be addressed to enable the mass commercialization of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC). Thermal management is important at both the lower and upper limits of the operating temperature range that is at sub-zero, in winter climate conditions or during cold start-up and at elevated temperature. When the PEFC is operated below 60°C, the electrochemical reaction kinetics is reduced and water condensation can results in cathode flooding. On the other hand, an elevated temperature is favorable for waste heat utilization, reaction kinetics, efficiency, water management, tolerance against contaminants and carbon monoxide poisoning [1]. However, it also has detrimental consequences on the PEFC: electrolyte dehydration, catalyst corrosion and non-uniform temperature distribution. Hence, effective thermal management in the catalyst layer has the potential to improve platinum utilization and provide a more stable level of humidity throughout the stack.