Unveiling the effect of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content in catalyst layers for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells based on CsH5(PO4)2-doped polybenzimidazole membrane: Experimental and molecular dynamic study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The structural optimization of catalyst layers is essential for enhancing the performance and durability of high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells based on CsH5(PO4)2-doped polybenzimidazole membranes. In this work, catalyst layers with different polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) contents (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.%) were systematically investigated through experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the correlation between electrode microstructure and cell performance. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with 30 wt.% PTFE achieved the highest peak power density (1012 mW cm⁻2 under H2/O2 condition and 728 mW cm⁻2 under H2/Air condition). At this optimal binder content, the catalyst layer formed a well-integrated porous structure with minor cracks, effective acid distribution, and a sufficient number of catalyst active sites. Both lower and higher PTFE contents were inappropriate and led to an inferior cell performance; an insufficient amount of PTFE resulted in acid flooding and poor structural cohesion, whereas an excessive amount of PTFE led to blocked pores and covered catalyst sites. MD simulations further confirmed that PTFE content significantly influenced the phosphoric acid distribution near catalyst surfaces. Moreover, the MEA with 30 wt.% PTFE exhibited excellent stability, showing a voltage degradation rate of only 6.67 μV h⁻1 during the 150-h durability test.
Source: Journal of Power Sources
Authors: Zhiyong Fu, Yijing Xing, Yizhe Li, Yizhe Li, Haibin Li
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,230
Awards: G232437867, G7608815243
OpenAlex ID: W4416375937