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Effect of ionomer volume fraction within cathode catalyst layer on performance of a PEMFC

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  • Yu, Ruijiao
  • Guo, Hang
  • Chen, Hao
  • Ye, Fang

Abstract

Ionomer is the important component of catalyst layer, the content affects catalyst layer properties and cell performance. In this work, a three dimensional fuel cell model having agglomerate is established to explore the influence of constant value and non-uniform distribution on cell performance. The results show that more ionomer increases cell performance in ohmic loss region but reduces the performance in concentration loss region. Higher ionomer content significantly improves the homogeneity of reaction rate distribution along thickness direction. Ionomer content has a great effect on reaction rate around inlet region having sufficient reactants. The content decreasing along main flow direction is conducive to cell performance improvement compared with the results obtained from the other two directions. The content reducing from under land to channel and the content stepped distribution along thickness direction all can improve cell performance. The influence of stepped non-uniform distribution with two segments or three segments on cell performance is different. Ionomer distribution corresponding to maximum current density at 0.4 V is three segments along main gas flow direction, the content is 41.461 vol%, 37.310 vol%, 33.513 vol% from inlet to outlet. The current density can be improved by 0.577%.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Ruijiao & Guo, Hang & Chen, Hao & Ye, Fang, 2023. "Effect of ionomer volume fraction within cathode catalyst layer on performance of a PEMFC," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 277(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:277:y:2023:i:c:s0360544223010253
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.127631
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Perng, Shiang-Wuu & Wu, Horng-Wen, 2015. "A three-dimensional numerical investigation of trapezoid baffles effect on non-isothermal reactant transport and cell net power in a PEMFC," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 81-95.
    2. Xing, Lei & Das, Prodip K. & Song, Xueguan & Mamlouk, Mohamed & Scott, Keith, 2015. "Numerical analysis of the optimum membrane/ionomer water content of PEMFCs: The interaction of Nafion® ionomer content and cathode relative humidity," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 242-257.
    3. Yu, Rui Jiao & Guo, Hang & Ye, Fang & Chen, Hao, 2022. "Multi-parameter optimization of stepwise distribution of parameters of gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer for PEMFC peak power density," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 324(C).
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    1. Xuan, Zi-Hao & Fang, Wen-Zhen & Zhao, Guo-Rui & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2025. "Optimal gradient designs of catalyst layers for boosting performance: A data-driven-assisted model," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 377(PD).
    2. Yang, Wei-Wei & Liu, Zhao & Song, Li-Dong & Lin, Yi-Wan & Zhang, Jian-Fei & Qu, Zhi-Guo, 2026. "Advancing low-Pt catalyst layer design from multi-scale to cross-scale synergy optimization for high-performance and durable proton exchange membrane fuel cell," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    3. Xuan, Zi-Hao & Fang, Wen-Zhen & Zhao, Guo-Rui & An, Kai-Bo & Xu, Yu-Han & Huang, Tao & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2026. "A physics-based design rule for boosting PEMFC performances via gradient catalyst layer designs," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 404(C).
    4. Shen, Yaorui & Fu, Jianqin & Li, Chao & Chang, Chaozheng & Sun, Xilei, 2025. "Irreversible thermodynamics-driven optimization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell with gradient-structured cathode catalyst layers," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).

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