Effect of ethylene glycol in catalyst ink for fabrication of Pt/C electrode for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Abdul Rohman Supandi*, Eka Sulistiawati, Muzamil Khatri, Hiroshi Fukunaga**

Department of Chemistry and Materials, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University

Abstract

The performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is largely governed by the catalyst layer in membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The catalyst layer is prepared by the decal transfer method, and non-uniform microstructure is an issue for smooth surface of catalyst-coated membrane due to crack formation. In this study, we demonstrated the effect of ethylene glycol ratio in the catalyst ink on the microstructure of the electrode, to produce a smooth surface of the catalyst electrode layer having high performance in the single-cell evaluation test. The use of ethylene glycol prevented cracks in the catalyst layer most likely due to its adhesivity to the substrate and the controlled drying process. An optimum volume of ethylene glycol in the mixture of solvents was found to have a less crack in the catalyst layer and to have the lowest overpotential at all current densities during the I-V measurement. To investigate the effect of ethylene glycol on the microstructure of the catalyst layer and its performance as MEA layer, the microstructures of catalyst layers were observed by a digital microscope and scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical measurements, such as impedance spectroscopy as well as electrochemical surface area were carried out.

Keywords: Polymer electrolyte fuel-cell- Decal transfer- Pt/C catalyst- Ethylene glycol- Catalyst ink

Topic: Renewable Energy & Energy Storage