Effect of Stratification of Cathode Catalyst Layers on Durability of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

To decrease the cost of fuel cell manufacturing, amount platinum (Pt) in catalyst layer needs to be reduced. In this study, ionomer gradient membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were designed reduce Pt loading without sacrificing performance and lifetime. A two-layer stratification cathode was achieved with varying ratios 28 wt. % inner layer, on membrane, 24 outer coated onto layer. study MEA performance, electrochemical surface area (ECSA), polarization curves, impedance spectroscopy (EIS) responses evaluated under 20, 60, 100% relative humidity (RH). The stratified reduced by 12% while maintaining commercial equivalent performance. optimal design when ratio between layers 1:6 (inner:outer layer). This showed highest ECSA at 0.65 V mass transport losses. integrity MEAs lower potential cycling proved more durable than monolayer equivalent. higher adjacent bi-layer interface (CL) increased moisture CL, decreasing degradation rate. Using an yielded a better compared design. therefore, contributes development durable, cost-effective for low-temperature proton exchange cells.