Modeling hierarchical non-precious metal catalyst cathodes for PEFCs using multi-scale X-ray CT imaging

  • S. Komini Babu
  • , H. Chung
  • , G. Wu
  • , P. Zelenay
  • , S. Litster

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper reports the development of a model for simulating polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) with non-precious metal catalyst (NPMC) cathodes. NPMCs present an opportunity to dramatically reduce the cost of PEFC electrodes by removing the costly Pt catalyst. To address the significant transport losses in thick NPMC cathodes (ca. >60 μm), we developed a hierarchical electrode model that resolves the unique structure of the NPMCs we studied. A unique feature of the approach is the integration of the model with morphology data extracted from nano-scale resolution X-ray computed tomography (nano-CT) imaging of the electrodes. A notable finding is the impact of the liquid water accumulation in the electrode and the significant performance improvement possible if electrode flooding is mitigated.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPolymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells 14
EditorsK. Shinohara, S. R. Narayanan, K. Swider-Lyons, A. Weber, C. Coutanceau, R. Mantz, H. A. Gasteiger, D. Jones, M. Edmundson, S. Mitsushima, V. Ramani, Y. Meas, T. Fuller, H. Uchida, F. N. Buchi, K. A. Perry, T. J. Schmidt, J. M. Fenton, P. Strasser
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages281-292
Number of pages12
Edition3
ISBN (Electronic)9781607685395
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event14th Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Symposium, PEFC 2014 - 226th ECS Meeting - Cancun, Mexico
Duration: Oct 5 2014Oct 9 2014

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number3
Volume64
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Conference

Conference14th Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Symposium, PEFC 2014 - 226th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityCancun
Period10/5/1410/9/14

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