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Performance Improvement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with a TiO 2 Sputtered Gas Diffusion Layer Under Low-Humidity Conditions

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  • Byung Gyu Kang

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Ye Rim Kwon

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Ki Won Hong

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Sun Ki Kwon

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Hyeon Min Lee

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Dong Kun Song

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Ji Woong Jeon

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Do Young Jung

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

  • Dohyun Go

    (Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA)

  • Gu Young Cho

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin-si 16890, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are pivotal to advancing sustainable hydrogen energy systems. However, their performance decreases under low-humidity conditions (relative humidity, RH 50%) due to inadequate membrane hydration. This study addresses this challenge by utilizing a sputtering process to deposit titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) onto microporous layers (MPLs), enhancing their hydrophilicity and water management capabilities. TiO 2 intrinsic hydrophilic properties and oxygen vacancies improve water adsorption and distribution, leading to more stable PEMFC performance under reduced humidity. Electrochemical evaluations revealed that while initial resistance slightly increased, long-term stability improved significantly. The TiO 2 -coated MPL exhibited a lower performance degradation rate, with a 12.33% reduction in current density compared to 25.3% for the pristine MPL after 10 h of operation. These findings demonstrate that TiO 2 deposition effectively mitigates performance losses under low-humidity conditions, reducing the reliance on external humidification systems. This work contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable fuel cell technologies for applications such as hydrogen-powered vehicles and distributed energy systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Byung Gyu Kang & Ye Rim Kwon & Ki Won Hong & Sun Ki Kwon & Hyeon Min Lee & Dong Kun Song & Ji Woong Jeon & Do Young Jung & Dohyun Go & Gu Young Cho, 2025. "Performance Improvement of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells with a TiO 2 Sputtered Gas Diffusion Layer Under Low-Humidity Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:6:p:1525-:d:1615784
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Prithvi Raj Pedapati & Shankar Raman Dhanushkodi & Ramesh Kumar Chidambaram & Dawid Taler & Tomasz Sobota & Jan Taler, 2024. "Design and Manufacturing Challenges in PEMFC Flow Fields—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-34, July.
    2. Do Yeong Jung & Dong Kun Song & Jung Soo Kim & Seung Heon Lee & Gyeong Won Min & Jong Hyun Son & Gu Young Cho, 2024. "Numerical Investigation of Effects of Obstacles in Flow Channels and Depth of Flow Channels for PEMFCs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-22, November.
    3. Jaydev Chetan Zaveri & Shankar Raman Dhanushkodi & C. Ramesh Kumar & Jan Taler & Marek Majdak & Bohdan Węglowski, 2023. "Predicting the Performance of PEM Fuel Cells by Determining Dehydration or Flooding in the Cell Using Machine Learning Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-16, October.
    4. Ho Jun Yoo & Gu Young Cho, 2023. "Influences of Flow Channel on Electrochemical Characteristics of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Humidified with NaCl Contained H 2 O," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-9, January.
    5. Yulin Wang & Xiangling Liao & Guokun Liu & Haokai Xu & Chao Guan & Huixuan Wang & Hua Li & Wei He & Yanzhou Qin, 2023. "Review of Flow Field Designs for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-54, May.
    6. Ho Jun Yoo & Gu Young Cho, 2022. "Effects of Humidification with NaCl Solution Mist on Electrochemical Characteristics of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-9, December.
    7. Huu-Linh Nguyen & Sang-Min Lee & Sangseok Yu, 2023. "A Comprehensive Review of Degradation Prediction Methods for an Automotive Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-32, June.
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