Strategies for Improving Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance by Optimizing Electrode Conditions
Chuan Hu, Ho Hyun Wang, Jong Hyeong Park, Hae Min Kim, Nanjun Chen, Young Moo Lee
Abstract
We systematically study anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) based on poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) (c-PAP) copolymers and provide a scalable scenario for high-performance AEMFCs, covering the optimization of the relative humidity (RH), catalyst species, catalyst interfaces, and hydrophobic treatment. Specifically, high-water-permeable c-PAP ionomers in the presence of moderate relative humidity (RH) (75%/100%) can be used to address anode flooding and cathode dry-out issues. The composition of the catalyst layer and the anode hydrophobic treatment significantly impact the power density of AEMFCs. c-PAP-based AEMFCs with optimum catalyst composition achieve a peak power density (PPD) of 2.70 W cm −2 at 80 °C in H 2 -O 2 after hydrophobic treatment. Pt 1 Co 1 /C cathode-based AEMFCs reach a PPD of 1.80 W cm −2 along with an outstanding specific power of 13.87 W mg −1 . Moreover, these AEMFCs can be operated under a 0.2 A cm −2 current density at 60 °C for over 300 h with a voltage decay rate of ∼300 μ v h −1 .