Understanding Impacts of Catalyst-Layer Thickness on Fuel-Cell Performance via Mathematical Modeling

By Iryna Zenyuk, P. Das, Adam Z. Weber. 2016

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Author(s): Zenyuk, IV; Das, PK; Weber, AZ | Abstract: © The Author(s) 2016. In this article, a two-dimensional, multiphase, transient model is introduced and used to explore the impact of catalyst-layer thickness on performance. In particular, the tradeoffs between water production and removal through transport or evaporation are highlighted, with a focus on low-temperature performance. For the latter, a case study of an ultra-thin catalyst layer is undergone to explore how various material properties alter the steady-state and startup performance of a cell. The findings provide understanding and guidance to optimize fuel-cell performance with thin electrodes.

Subfields: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/79e89a98864bfb4a5827f4e14fab8ebac32e8c75