Effects of Catalyst Ink Storage on Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Mario Kircher*, Michaela Roschger, Wai Yee Koo, Fabio Blaschke, Maximilian Grandi, Merit Bodner, Viktor Hacker

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The shelf-life of catalyst ink for fabricating polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is relevant for large-scale manufacturing with unforeseen production stops. In this study, the storage effects on the physicochemical characteristics of catalyst ink (Pt/C, Nafion, 2-propanol, water) and subsequently manufactured catalyst layers are investigated. Sedimentation analysis showed that catalyst particles are not fully stabilized by charge interaction induced by Nafion. Acetone was found to be an oxidation product, even in freshly prepared ink with platinum catalyzing the reaction. Rotating disk electrode analysis revealed that the electrochemically active surface area is, overall, minimally increased by storage, and the selectivity towards water formation (4-electron pathway) is unharmed within the first 48 h of storage. MEAs prepared from stored ink reach almost the same current density level after conditioning via potential cycling. The open-circuit voltage (OCV) increases due to increased catalyst availability. Scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry showed that with increasing acetone content, the pore structure becomes finer, with a higher specific surface area. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that this results in a more hindered mass transfer but lowered charge transfer resistance. The MEA with the highest OCV and power output and the lowest overall cell resistance was fabricated from catalyst ink stored for a duration of four weeks.
Original languageEnglish
Article number7011
Number of pages20
JournalEnergies
Volume16
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Oct 2023

Keywords

  • catalyst ink storage
  • gas chromatography
  • impedance spectroscopy
  • polymer electrolyte fuel cell
  • rotating disk electrode
  • UV-vis spectroscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Optimization
  • Energy (miscellaneous)
  • Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Fuel Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Fields of Expertise

  • Mobility & Production
  • Advanced Materials Science

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