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）燃料电池正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正确设计直接相关。该研究项目旨在通过关注催化剂层的离子相，开发一种适用于干燥/低相对湿度操作条件的新型催化剂层结构。催化剂层是一个复杂的三相系统，包括催化剂、催化剂载体和离聚体，它负责同时传输反应物、产物和带电物质，包括电子和质子。该研究将重点关注催化剂层中不同的离聚体类型、比例和设计对电池性能和耐久性的影响，因为离聚体会影响离子电导率、催化剂利用率、质量传输和结合材料。该项目还将研究离子单体用量对电池性能和耐久性的影响。

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.