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Three-dimensional analysis of Nafion layers in fuel cell electrodes

Author

Listed:
  • M. Lopez-Haro

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CEA, INAC-SP2M, LEMMA)

  • L. Guétaz

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CEA, LITEN)

  • T. Printemps

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CEA, LETI, Minatec Campus)

  • A. Morin

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CEA, LITEN)

  • S. Escribano

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CEA, LITEN)

  • P.-H. Jouneau

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CEA, INAC-SP2M, LEMMA)

  • P. Bayle-Guillemaud

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CEA, INAC-SP2M, LEMMA)

  • F. Chandezon

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CNRS, SPrAM
    CEA, INAC-SPrAM)

  • G. Gebel

    (University Grenoble Alpes
    CEA, LITEN
    CNRS, SPrAM
    CEA, INAC-SPrAM)

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell is one of the most promising zero-emission power sources for automotive or stationary applications. However, their cost and lifetime remain the two major key issues for a widespread commercialization. Consequently, much attention has been devoted to optimizing the membrane/electrode assembly that constitute the fuel cell core. The electrodes consist of carbon black supporting Pt nanoparticles and Nafion as the ionomer binder. Although the ionomer plays a crucial role as ionic conductor through the electrode, little is known about its distribution inside the electrode. Here we report the three-dimensional morphology of the Nafion thin layer surrounding the carbon particles, which is imaged using electron tomography. The analyses reveal that doubling the amount of Nafion in the electrode leads to a twofold increase in its degree of coverage of the carbon, while the thickness of the layer, around 7 nm, is unchanged.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Lopez-Haro & L. Guétaz & T. Printemps & A. Morin & S. Escribano & P.-H. Jouneau & P. Bayle-Guillemaud & F. Chandezon & G. Gebel, 2014. "Three-dimensional analysis of Nafion layers in fuel cell electrodes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-6, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms6229
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6229
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    Cited by:

    1. Calvino, José J. & López-Haro, Miguel & Muñoz-Ocaña, Juan M. & Puerto, Justo & Rodríguez-Chía, Antonio M., 2022. "Segmentation of scanning-transmission electron microscopy images using the ordered median problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 302(2), pages 671-687.
    2. Dou, Shaojun & Hao, Liang & Liu, Hong, 2023. "Effects of carbon aggregates and ionomer distribution on the performance of PEM fuel cell catalyst layer: A pore-scale study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    3. Chan-Ho Song & Jin-Soo Park, 2019. "Effect of Dispersion Solvents in Catalyst Inks on the Performance and Durability of Catalyst Layers in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-10, February.
    4. Zhang, Yiming & Zhu, Caihan & Zhang, Jianbo & Liu, Yong, 2024. "Negative impact of poly(acrylic acid) on proton conductivity of electrospun catalyst layers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 357(C).
    5. Ke, Yuzhi & Yuan, Wei & Zhou, Feikun & Guo, Wenwen & Li, Jinguang & Zhuang, Ziyi & Su, Xiaoqing & Lu, Biaowu & Zhao, Yonghao & Tang, Yong & Chen, Yu & Song, Jianli, 2021. "A critical review on surface-pattern engineering of nafion membrane for fuel cell applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    6. Wu, Zhen & Zhu, Pengfei & Yao, Jing & Tan, Peng & Xu, Haoran & Chen, Bin & Yang, Fusheng & Zhang, Zaoxiao & Ni, Meng, 2020. "Thermo-economic modeling and analysis of an NG-fueled SOFC-WGS-TSA-PEMFC hybrid energy conversion system for stationary electricity power generation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).

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