Issue 38, 2023

Metal–organic framework for high-performance catalyst layers in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

Proton (H+)-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are considered effective power sources for fuel cell electric vehicles because of their clean emission, air-purification capability, and excellent durability. However, the performance degradation at low relative humidity (RH) remained to be addressed. Water back-diffusion, which refers to the diffusion of water from the cathode to the membrane by a concentration gradient, could lead to a remarkable improvement in the H+ conductivity of membrane/electrode assemblies (MEAs) at low RH. This effect can be achieved by introducing a functional material with a high water content into the cathode catalyst layer. Herein, we propose a Zr-based metal–organic framework (MOF; UiO-66(Zr)-(COOH)2) as a water-rich additive material in the MEA and demonstrate that it increases the power performance of PEMFCs at low RH by promoting water back-diffusion. The high compositional and structural tunability of MOFs will expand the pool of materials to adjust the humidity level of PEMFCs.

Graphical abstract: Metal–organic framework for high-performance catalyst layers in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
25 Jul 2023
Accepted
07 Sep 2023
First published
08 Sep 2023

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 20583-20591

Metal–organic framework for high-performance catalyst layers in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

I. Choi, J. Lim, R. D. Reis, E. Kim, S. Y. Lim, V. P. Dravid, H. Kim, K. Oh and K. W. Nam, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, 11, 20583 DOI: 10.1039/D3TA04377K

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