Improvement of active layers homogeneity for the MEA’s (Membrane Electrode Assembly) of PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell): impact of the ink quality formulation

Abstract

This study focuses on the improvement of active layers for PEMFC (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell) fuel cells. These active layers (anode and cathode) constitute the core of the cell where chemical reactions take place. The goal is to improve the performance and durability of these cells by working on these layers. Some research has shown the impact of homogeneity of active layer on fuel cell performance by working on printing processes. In our case, the aim was to obtain homogeneous active layer after coating deposition process by studying the formulation of the ink: the order of introduction of components and the dispersion processes. Several ink dispersion processes stood out, including a planetary mixer that gave satisfactory results in terms of particle size and deposit homogeneity. Moreover, the order of introduction of the components during the ink formulation seem to have an impact onto rheological parameter and also onto particles size.