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Improving proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance with carbon nanotubes as the material of cathode microporous layer
Author(s) -
Fan CheChia,
Chang MinHsing
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of energy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.808
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1099-114X
pISSN - 0363-907X
DOI - 10.1002/er.3445
Subject(s) - microporous material , proton exchange membrane fuel cell , carbon nanotube , cathode , materials science , fabrication , layer (electronics) , carbon black , membrane , composite material , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , fuel cells , chemistry , medicine , biochemistry , alternative medicine , natural rubber , pathology , engineering
Summary The cathode microporous layer (MPL) is fabricated by various multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and its influence on the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is evaluated. Three types of CNT with different dimensions are employed in the experiments, and the conventional MPL made by acetylene black (AB) is also considered for the purpose of comparison. The results show that the employment of CNT as MPL composition indeed may improve fuel cell performance significantly in comparison with the case of AB. The type of CNT with the largest tube diameter and straight cylinder in shape exhibits the highest cell performance. The corresponding optimal CNT loading and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content in the MPL are also evaluated. Results show that the case of cathode MPL composed of 1.5 mg cm −2 CNT and 20 wt% PTFE exhibits the best performance in all the experimental cases. The present data reveal that the application of CNT for MPL fabrication is beneficial to promote PEMFC performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.