Measurement of Gas Transport Properties in PEFC Catalyst Layers Consisted of Different Carbon Materials by Using a Microfluidic Device

Abstract

Gas transport properties in polymer electrolyte fuel cell catalyst layers consisted of different carbon materials were evaluated by using a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device consists of catalyst coated membrane and Si chip having parallel microchannels. Air and nitrogen were supplied to the two parallel channels in the device, respectively. Gas transport properties were evaluated by measuring outlet partial pressure of oxygen which was diffused through the catalyst layer. Adding multi-walled carbon nanotube in the catalyst layer instead of carbon black resulted in an increase of effective gas diffusivity, while geometrical porosity was decreased.