Development of high performance and durable catalyst Layers for proton exchange membrane fuel cells by focusing on ionic phase

质子交换膜(PEM)燃料电池还处于商业化的早期阶段，尽管大规模生产首先需要降低成本、提高性能和耐用性。这三个挑战中的每一个都与催化剂层的适当设计直接相关。该研究项目旨在开发一种适用于干/低相对湿度操作条件的新型催化剂层结构，重点研究催化剂层的离子相。催化层是一个复杂的三相体系，包括催化剂、催化剂载体和离聚体，负责反应物、产物和带电物种(包括电子和质子)的同时传输。建议的研究将集中在不同离聚体类型、比例和催化层设计对电池性能和耐久性的影响，因为离聚体影响离子传导性、催化剂利用率、质量传输和结合材料。该项目还将研究离聚体的用量如何影响电池的性能和耐用性。

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are in the early stage of commercialization, though mass production first requires cost reduction, increased performance, and durability. Each of these three challenges are directly related to the proper design for catalyst layers. The proposed research project aims at developing a novel catalyst layers structure for dry/low relative humidity operational conditions by focusing on the ionic phase of catalyst layers. Catalyst layer is a complex three-phase system that includes catalyst, catalyst support, and ionomer, and which is responsible for the simultaneous transport of reactants, products, and charged species, including both electrons and protons. The proposed research will focus on the impact of different ionomer types, ratio, and design in catalyst layers on cell performance and durability as ionomer affects the ionic conductivity, catalyst utilization, mass transport, and binding materials. The project will also examine how the amount of ionomer applied can impact cell performance and durability.