Porous Electrode Optimization for Anion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AEMFCs)

Anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have recently emerged as a novel, viable alternative to proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The AEMFC’s hydroxide ion exchange mechanism allows for the use of non-noble metal catalysts and facilitates oxygen reduction at the cell’s cathode. The fuel cell consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between two gas diffusion layers, with assembled porous electrodes between the gas diffusion layers and membrane. The electrode is composed of a metal catalyst and an ionomer scaffold, which optimizes ion and mass transport within the cell owing to its positively charged backbone and porous structure.

Current AEMFCs show less stability and output than their proton-exchange counterparts; however, these systems have not been optimized and therefore require thorough investigation.  This work studies the effect of the electrodes’ fabrication procedure on the cell’s electrochemical performance and structure. The electrodes are characterized by impedance spectroscopy, amperometry, and electron microscopy.