Understanding and optimizing water transport phenomena in the catalyst layer for anion exchange membrane fuel cells

Huang，Haodong1,2,3; Xiao，Cailin1,2,3; Zhang，Zijie1,2,3; Zhao，Tianshou1,2,3; Zeng，Lin1,2,3

2023-10-01

10.1016/j.jpowsour.2023.233353

Journal of Power Sources   Impact Factor & Quartile

0378-7753

1873-2755

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are a promising power source due to zero emissions and high efficiency, and low precious metal loading. However, water management remains a significant issue affecting cell performance and durability. In this study, we develop a multi-physics model to investigate and optimize transport phenomena under various operational conditions and microstructure parameters. The agglomerate model is optimized to consider the influence of anode flooding and cathode drying in electrochemical reactions, and the simulation is validated with experimental results. Our findings indicate that an optimal anode inlet gas relative humidity of 80% achieved a tradeoff between anode flooding and ionic conductivity, resulting in a maximal power density of 758.9 mW/cm. To alleviate anode flooding, we optimize the microstructure of the anode gas diffusion layer, significantly improving maximal power density to 833.4 mW/cm by increasing the contact angle to 130°. The optimal porosity achieves a balance between the transport of liquid water and electron. Large pore diameter and small thickness lead to a slighter anode flooding and higher maximal power density. In summary, our study provides insights into the transport behavior of multi-phase water, reactant gas, ion, and electron to guide the design of high-performance AEMFCs.

Agglomerate model Anode flooding Cathode drying Maximal power density Microstructure design

SCI

English

First ; Corresponding

National Natural Science Foundation of China[52276198];

Chemistry ; Electrochemistry ; Energy & Fuels ; Materials Science

Chemistry, Physical ; Electrochemistry ; Energy & Fuels ; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

WOS:001039461200001

ELSEVIER

MATERIALS SCIENCE

2-s2.0-85164215341

Scopus

1.Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Storage,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,518055,China
2.SUSTech Energy Institute for Carbon Neutrality,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,518055,China
3.Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,518055,China

Huang，Haodong,Xiao，Cailin,Zhang，Zijie,et al. Understanding and optimizing water transport phenomena in the catalyst layer for anion exchange membrane fuel cells[J]. Journal of Power Sources,2023,580.

Huang，Haodong,Xiao，Cailin,Zhang，Zijie,Zhao，Tianshou,&Zeng，Lin.(2023).Understanding and optimizing water transport phenomena in the catalyst layer for anion exchange membrane fuel cells.Journal of Power Sources,580.

Huang，Haodong,et al."Understanding and optimizing water transport phenomena in the catalyst layer for anion exchange membrane fuel cells".Journal of Power Sources 580(2023).