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Experimental study of anode catalyst loading reduction in PEM fuel cells under high and low humidity conditions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The performance of a single proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) under relative humidity and anode catalyst loading variation was carried out in this study. Three membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with different anode catalyst loadings (0.5, 0.4, and 0.3 mgPt cm–²) were evaluated under fully humidified (100 % RH) and low-humidity (28 % RH) conditions. Voltage–current density, power density, and resistance–current density curves were analyzed. At 100 % RH, all MEAs showed stable resistive behavior and high-power output, with higher anode catalyst loading leading to improved voltage retention and maximum power density. In contrast, low-humidity operation caused marked performance losses, especially for MEAs with lower anode catalyst loading, as reflected by increased voltage losses, reduced maximum current density, and lower power density. Resistance results indicate that membrane hydration governs resistive losses, while higher anode catalyst loading improves performance robustness under reduced-humidity conditions. These findings emphasize the combined role of humidity management and anode catalyst loading for stable PEMFC operation.

Source: Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)

DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/202672003001/pdf

Authors: Jordy Santana-Villamar, Delia Delli, Mayken Espinoza-Andaluz

Institutions: Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

Language: English

Topic: Fuel Cells and Related Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7167070431

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