Work

Non‐destructive platinum catalyst‐replenishment method for deteriorated polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: A novel method for replenishing platinum catalysts on an electrolyte membrane of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is studied. The method injects electrocatalyst‐supplementing ink into a pre‐assembled fuel cell in a simple and non‐destructive manner. For replenishing, straightforward catalyst‐replenishment equipment and corresponding protocol are proposed. The protocol consists of injection, penetration, and purge processes. As a feasibility study, the method is performed on fuel cells with pristine membranes. Target fuel cells for this study include a membrane‐assembled cell without catalyst layers (CLs) (Cell 1) and a cell assembled with a membrane‐coated cathodic CL (Cell 2). An open‐circuit voltage of 0.804 V in Cell 1 and a current of 77 mA in Cell 2 are measured, as supported through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy also support the presence of platinum catalysts.

Source: Energy Science & Engineering

DOI: 10.1002/ese3.1029