Investigation on structure and performance of PEFC catalyst layer prepared by inkjet printing and doctor blade method

Abstract

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) can produce electricity in low-temperature operation, and the catalyst layer, which is one of the constituent members, is an electrochemical reaction field with a complicated porous structure. Controlling the porous structure of the catalyst layer is one of the challenges to improve the performance of PEFCs. In this study, we focused on inkjet printing technology as a catalyst layer preparation method to elucidate the relationship between the microstructure of the catalyst layer produced using inkjet printing technology and cell performance. A catalyst layer was prepared using an inkjet printer, and the cell performance was examined. The performance of the catalyst layer made by the doctor blade method was also investigated as a comparison. The porous structure of the prepared catalyst layer was also observed. Regardless of the humidification condition, higher performance results were obtained for the catalyst layer prepared by the doctor blade method under the air supply condition and for the catalyst layer prepared by the inkjet printing technology under the oxygen supply condition.