Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry

, Volume 13, Issue 7, pp 991–997 | Cite as

A model for high-surface-area porous Nafion™-bonded cathodes operating in hydrogen–oxygen proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)

Original Paper
First Online:
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Abstract

A critical discussion of dioxygen reduction kinetics using the Tafel (for the irreversible cathode process) and the Butler–Volmer (anode process) rate equations has been used to evaluate the accuracy of “standard” modeling interpretations of experimental cell potential current (E–I) plots. The potential–current curve for what is believed to be an optimized Nafion™-bonded fuel cell cathode was analyzed. It appears to behave as a well-ordered diffusional system and shows high electrocatalyst utilization based on its electrocatalytic and gas diffusion characteristics. The electrode appears to perform as expected, without any anomalous characteristics showing any lower than expected electrocatalyst utilization. Any improvement in electrode performance, which is certainly desirable, seems to demand an improved diffusional structure, barring any potential (although unlikely) change in electrochemical kinetic characteristics.

Keywords

Electrocatalysis Dioxygen reduction PEMFCs Porous electrodes Electrode models 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2008

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Center for Electrochemical Systems and Hydrogen ResearchTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationUSA

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