Transport‐Friendly Microstructure in SSC‐MEA: Unveiling the SSC Ionomer‐Based Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Enhanced Fuel Cell Performance

• Published in: Advanced science Vol. 11; no. 39; pp. e2403647 - n/a
• Main Authors: Li, Min, Ding, Han, Song, Jingnan, Hao, Bonan, Zeng, Rui, Li, Zhenyu, Wu, Xuefei, Fink, Zachary, Zhou, Libo, Russel, Thomas P., Liu, Feng, Zhang, Yongming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-10-2024; Wiley; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Conductivity; Efficiency; Electrodes; fuel cell; Fuel cells; humidity dependence; Microscopy; Morphology; morphology-transport-performance; Optimization; SSC/LSC-MEA; Topography; transport-friendly structure; Viscoelasticity; Viscosity; humidity dependence; transport‐friendly structure; fuel cell; morphology‐transport‐performance; SSC/LSC‐MEA
• ISSN: 2198-3844; 2198-3844
• DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403647

The significant role of the cathodic binder in modulating mass transport within the catalyst layer (CL) of fuel cells is essential for optimizing cell performance. This investigation focuses on enhancing the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) through the utilization of a short‐side‐chain perfluoro‐sulfonic acid (SSC‐PFSA) ionomer as the cathode binder, referred to as SSC‐MEA. This study meticulously visualizes the distinctive interpenetrating networks of ionomers and catalysts, and explicitly clarifies the triple‐phase interface, unveiling the transport‐friendly microstructure and transport mechanisms inherent in SSC‐MEA. The SSC‐MEA exhibits advantageous microstructural features, including a better‐connected ionomer network and well‐organized hierarchical porous structure, culminating in superior mass transfer properties. Relative to the MEA bonded by long‐side‐chain perfluoro‐sulfonic acid (LSC‐PFSA) ionomer, noted as LSC‐MEA, SSC‐MEA exhibits a notable peak power density (1.23 W cm−2), efficient O2 transport, and remarkable proton conductivity (65% improvement) at 65 °C and 70% relativity humidity (RH). These findings establish crucial insights into the intricate morphology‐transport‐performance relationship in the CL, thereby providing strategic guidance for developing highly efficient MEA.
This study highlights the crucial role of SSC‐PFSA ionomer as a cathodic binder in enhancing mass transport and performance in fuel cells, demonstrating superior structural and transport properties compared to LSC‐PFSA, thereby optimizing cell efficiency.