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Development and Challenges of Electrode Ionomers Used in the Catalyst Layer of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review

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Abstract

The electrode ionomer plays a crucial role in the catalyst layer (CL) of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and is closely associated with the proton conduction and gas transport properties, structural stability, and water management capability. In this review, we discuss the CL structural characteristics and highlight the latest advancements in ionomer material research. Additionally, we comprehensively introduce the design concepts and exceptional performances of porous electrode ionomers, elaborate on their structural properties and functions within the fuel cell CL, and investigate their effect on the CL microstructure and performance. Finally, we present a prospective evaluation of the developments in the electrode ionomer for fabricating CL, offering valuable insights for designing and synthesizing more efficient electrode ionomer materials. By addressing these facets, this review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the role and potential of electrode ionomers for enhancing PEMFC performance.

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Fig. 1

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [6]. Copyright © 2021, Springer Nature. b Chemical structures of prevalent PFSA products. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [7]. Copyright © 2000, Elsevier

Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [25]. Copyright © 2006, The Electrochemical Society. b 3D imaging of the carbon support (red) and electrode ionomer (blue) components is shown concurrently. Views ranging from 0° to 90° are given [26]. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [26]. Copyright © 2006, The Electrochemical Society. c–e High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy representative micrograph of sample 1 with composition Nafion/CB = 0.5 w/w. Electron tomography imaging of the Nafion layer deposited on CB in the PEMFC electrodes at d Nafion/CB = 0.5 w/w and e Nafion/CB = 0.2 we blue and gray regions correspond to the Cs+-stained ionomer and CB support, respectively). Reproduced with permission from Ref. [27]. Copyright © 2014, Springer Nature

Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [61]. Copyright © 2020, Elsevier

Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [76]. Copyright © 2022, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [94]. Copyright © 2014, The Electrochemical Society

Fig. 10

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [96]. Copyright © 2020, Elsevier. b Schematic of the O2 permeation through ionomer nanofilm [98]. c The contribution of electrode ionomer and water and primary and secondary pores to the gas diffusion resistance in the catalytic layer (CL). Reproduced with permission from Ref. [96]. Copyright © 2020, Elsevier. d Steady-state 1-dimensional model of the cathode CL. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [99]. Copyright © 2011, Elsevier

Fig. 11

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [132]. Copyright © 2016, Springer Nature

Fig. 12

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [133]. Copyright © 2018, American Chemical Society. e Schematic showing that ILs at the catalyst interface can prevent the specific adsorption of sulfonic acid groups on the Pt surface. f ORR polarization curves for Pt(111), Pt(111) + Nafion, and Pt(111) + Nafion + IL in O2-saturated 0.1 mol/L HClO4. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [135]. Copyright © 2020, American Chemical Society

Fig. 13

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [151]. Copyright © 2016, Wiley–VCH. c As-cast and aged 3 mol/L and Nafion PFSA thin film swelling rate constants during saturation-level humidification plotted against the orientation parameter of the same film in a dry condition. The schematics show an inverse relationship between swelling kinetics and increasing domain orientation (parallel to the interfaces). Reproduced with permission from Ref. [153]. Copyright © 2019, American Chemical Society

Fig. 14

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [76]. Copyright © 2022, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Fig. 15

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [156]. Copyright © 2020, American Association for the Advancement of Science. c Different ionomer morphologies are generated using the type of ionization mode originating from the acid–base conditions inside the droplet. Reproduced with permission from Ref. [157]. Copyright © 2020, American Chemical Society

Fig. 16

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [14]. Copyright © 2020, Springer Nature

Fig. 17

Reproduced with permission from Ref. [162]. Copyright © 2018, Elsevier

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 21625102, 21971017, and 22102008), National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2020YFB1506300), Postdoctoral Fund of China (Nos. 2020T130055 and 2020M670143).

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    Qingnuan Zhang & Bo Wang

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Zhang, Q., Wang, B. Development and Challenges of Electrode Ionomers Used in the Catalyst Layer of Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review. Trans. Tianjin Univ. 29, 360–386 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12209-023-00371-0

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