Elucidation of Micro and Nano Freezing in Catalyst Layer and Water Transfer in PEFC

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The objective of this study is to elucidate the freezing mechanism in the catalyst layer (CL) at cold start and water transport phenomena in the vicinity of the micro-porous layer (MPL) in PEFC. The freezing model was developed, and the detailed observation of the MPL cross-section was conducted. These showed that the ice distribution formed during the -20 degree C cold start strongly depends on the current density, but not on the oxygen supply condition. This study also identified the factor controlling the ice distribution, and the liquid water distribution under normal operations above freezing temperature.