Using SiO2 Nanopowders in Anode Catalyst Layer to Improve the Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell at Low Humidity
Read full paper at: http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=53366#.VMBjDCzQrzE Author(s) Chien-Liang Lin , Shih-Chieh Hsu , Wei-Yu Ho Affiliation(s) Department of Materials and Energy Engineering, MingDao University, Changhua, Taiwan, China . ABSTRACT In this study, the transfer method is employed to add hydrophilic SiO 2 nanopowders to a Pt/C catalyst ink to form an anode catalyst layer on a proton exchange membrane (PEM). The SiO 2 -layered membrane electrode assembly improves the performance of the PEM under low- or zero-humidification conditions. When the PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) undergoes electrochemical reaction, the moisture content of the PEM exhibits a substantial influence on the transmission of protons. To ensure the moisture content remains high, an external humidifier is typically employed to humidify the majority of PEMFCs. However, self-humidifying PEMFCs could utilize the water produced by the fuel cell re...