Strategies for Improving Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance by Optimizing Electrode Conditions

Abstract

We systematically study anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) based on poly(aryl-co-aryl piperidinium) (c-PAP) copolymers and provide a scalable scenario for high-performance AEMFCs, covering the optimization of the relative humidity (RH), catalyst species, catalyst interfaces, and hydrophobic treatment. Specifically, high-water-permeable c-PAP ionomers in the presence of moderate relative humidity (RH) (75%/100%) can be used to address anode flooding and cathode dry-out issues. The composition of the catalyst layer and the anode hydrophobic treatment significantly impact the power density of AEMFCs. c-PAP-based AEMFCs with optimum catalyst composition achieve a peak power density (PPD) of 2.70 W cm−2 at 80 °C in H2-O2 after hydrophobic treatment. Pt1Co1/C cathode-based AEMFCs reach a PPD of 1.80 W cm−2 along with an outstanding specific power of 13.87 W mg−1. Moreover, these AEMFCs can be operated under a 0.2 A cm−2 current density at 60 °C for over 300 h with a voltage decay rate of ∼300 μv h−1.