Effect of a polybenzimidazole coating on carbon supports for ionomer content optimization in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Optimizing the ionomer/carbon (I/C) ratio in catalyst layer (CL) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is vital for maximizing PEMFC efficiency. In this study, effect I/C a platinum (Pt) loaded on polybenzimidazole (PBI)-coated Vulcan (Vulcan/PBI/Pt) compared with conventional Pt (Vulcan/Pt). Furthermore, study determines that CL comprising Vulcan/PBI/Pt an = 0.2 exhibits highest maximum power density (750 mW cm ?2 ), while having Vulcan/Pt calculated to be 610 mWcm at 0.6. Effective interactions between ionomer and PBI-coated enables stable coating high proton conductivity, even very low ratios. At such ratios, O 2 diffusion coefficient improved by 51% when Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy images further reveal CLs possess better pore connectivity than those Vulcan/Pt. Hence, it concludes proposed PBI approach advantageous significant breakthrough fabricate highly efficient improving both conduction simultaneously lower contents. • The (PBI) induces effective interaction Nafion. PBI-coating homogeneous Nafion content. A sufficient achieved Lowering content improves oxygen 51%. enhances 23% system.