Effect of Hygroscopic Platinum/Titanium Dioxide Particles in the Anode Catalyst Layer on the PEMFC Performance

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of adding platinum (Pt)/titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) particles into the anode catalyst layer to improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The effects of adding Pt/TiO(2) in the catalyst layer on three critical factors, namely, the wettability, the electrical resistance, and the loading of Pt/TiO(2) particles, were also evaluated. It was observed that the water contact angles of these catalyst layers were decreased as the weight percentage of Pt/TiO(2) particles increased. Similarly, the electrochemically active surface areas prepared by these catalyst inks were decreased with the increase in Pt/TiO(2) addition. Single cell performance with various amounts of Pt/TiO(2) particles in the anode catalyst layer was investigated under different temperatures of anode humidifier. The cell with 5% Pt/TiO(2) particle addition in the anode catalyst layer revealed the best performance at anode humidifier temperatures ranging from 25 to 75 degrees C. (C) 2010 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3428725] All rights reserved.