1
|
Cheng X, Zhou J, Luo L, Shen S, Zhang J. Boosting Bulk Oxygen Transport with Accessible Electrode Nanostructure in Low Pt Loading PEMFCs. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2308563. [PMID: 38342709 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite the high potential for reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the future of energy utilization, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) face challenges such as high costs and sluggish oxygen transport in cathode catalyst layers (CCLs). In this study, the impact of pore size distribution on bulk oxygen transport behavior is explored by introducing nano calcium carbonate of varying particle sizes for pore-forming. Physicochemical characterizations for are employed to examine the electrode structure, while in situ electrochemical measurements are used to scrutinize bulk oxygen transport resistance, effective oxygen diffusivity (D O 2 eff $D_{{{\mathrm{O}}}_2}^{{\mathrm{eff}}}$ ) and fuel cell performance. Additionally, the CCLs are constructed with aid of Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) simulations andD O 2 eff $D_{{{\mathrm{O}}}_2}^{{\mathrm{eff}}}$ for CCLs with different pore size distribution are calculated. The findings reveal thatD O 2 eff $D_{{{\mathrm{O}}}_2}^{{\mathrm{eff}}}$ initially increases and then decreases as the most probable pore size increases. A "sphere-pipe" model is proposed to describe practical bulk oxygen transport in CCLs, highlighting the significant role of not only the pore size of secondary pores but also the number of primary pores in bulk oxygen transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Cheng
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jinghao Zhou
- SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Liuxuan Luo
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Shuiyun Shen
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Junliang Zhang
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Power & Machinery Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou Y, Chen J, Huang Z, Peng Y, Xing L, Tang C, Wang N, Meng L, Wu M, Du L, Ye S. Unraveling a volcanic relationship of Co/N/C@Pt xCo catalysts toward oxygen electro-reduction. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:5215-5221. [PMID: 38372788 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06647a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been continuously attracting worldwide interest due to the increasing popularity of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. So far, various Pt-group metal (PGM) or PGM-free catalysts have been developed to facilitate the ORR. However, there is still a gap to achieve the expected goals as proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE). Recently, PGM-free@PGM hybrid catalysts, such as the M/N/C@PtM catalyst, have achieved the milestones of oxygen reduction, as reviewed in our recent work. It is, nevertheless, still challenging to unravel the underlying structure-property relationships. Here, by applying different Pt/Co ratios, a series of Co/N/C@PtxCo catalysts are synthesized. Interestingly, the ORR activity and stability are not linear with the Pt content, but show a volcano-like curve with increased Pt usage. This relationship has been deeply unraveled to be closely related to the contents of pyrrolic N, pyridinic N, and graphitized carbon in catalysts. This work provides guidelines to rationally design the coupled PGM-free@PGM catalysts toward the ORR by appropriate surface engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangdong Zhou
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Junda Chen
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Zhiyin Huang
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Yuqin Peng
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Lixin Xing
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Chunmei Tang
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Ning Wang
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Ling Meng
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Mingjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, P. R. China.
| | - Lei Du
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Siyu Ye
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation Centre/School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Wai Huan Xi Road 230, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China.
- SinoHykey Technology Company Ltd., 8 Hongyuan Road, Huangpu District, Guangzhou 510760, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
You J, Cheng X, Li H, Yin J, Yan X, Wei G, Shen S, Zhang J. Innovative Insight into O 2/N 2 Permeation Behavior through an Ionomer Film in Cathode Catalyst Layers of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:11444-11453. [PMID: 36468972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c03210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
It is crucial to clarify the permeation behavior of O2 through the ionomer film for enhancing local O2 transport in cathodes of fuel cells. However, all existing studies mainly deal with pure O2 rather than air. Herein, the permeation behavior of the O2/N2 mixture through the ionomer film has been well explored in view of molecular bond length variations by molecular dynamics simulations. The bond lengths for O2 and N2 are shortened under a low hydration level when permeating through a dense layer with small free voids while no obvious change occurs at higher hydration. In the bulk ionomer region, O2 molecules residing in water domains are energetically unstable because the bond lengths deviate far from the equilibrium length; thus, O2 diffuses through the interfacial or hydrophobic regions. N2 molecules show similar properties with O2. This study provides a novel perspective on the permeation behavior of O2 and N2 through the ionomer film, which definitely benefits enhancing local O2 transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin You
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojing Cheng
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyuan Li
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
| | - Jiewei Yin
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Yan
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
| | - Guanghua Wei
- SJTU-Paris Tech Elite Institute of Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
| | - Shuiyun Shen
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
| | - Junliang Zhang
- Institute of Fuel Cells, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Power & Machinery Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hao M, Li Y, He Y. 质子交换膜燃料电池催化层模型研究进展与展望. CHINESE SCIENCE BULLETIN-CHINESE 2022. [DOI: 10.1360/tb-2022-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
5
|
Reshetenko TV, Kulikovsky A. Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements of Ionomer Film Oxygen Transport Resistivity in Operating Low-Pt PEM Fuel Cell. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:985. [PMID: 34940486 PMCID: PMC8703679 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11120985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The work presents a model for local impedance of low-Pt proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), including cathode pore size distribution and O2 transport along pores and through a thin ionomer film covering Pt/C agglomerates. The model was applied to fit the local impedance spectra of low-Pt fuel cells operated at current densities from 100 to 800 mA cm-2 and recorded by a segmented cell system. Assuming an ionomer film thickness of 10 nm, the fitting returned the product of the dimensionless Henry's constant of oxygen dissolution in ionomer KH by the oxygen diffusivity DN in the ionomer (KHDN). This parameter allowed us to determine the fundamental O2 transport resistivity RN through the ionomer film in the working electrode under conditions relevant to the realistic operation of PEMFCs. The results show that variation of the operating current density does not affect RN, which remains nearly constant at ≃0.4 s cm-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrei Kulikovsky
- Theory and Computation of Energy Materials (IEK-13), Institute of Energy and Climate Research Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425 Jülich, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Reshetenko TV, Ben BL. Exploration of operating conditions on oxygen mass transport resistance and performance of PEM fuel cells: Effects of inlet gas humidification. ELECTROCHEMICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/elsa.202100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bonnie L. Ben
- Hawaii Natural Energy Institute University of Hawaii Honolulu Hawaii USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ahn CY, Park JE, Kim S, Kim OH, Hwang W, Her M, Kang SY, Park S, Kwon OJ, Park HS, Cho YH, Sung YE. Differences in the Electrochemical Performance of Pt-Based Catalysts Used for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells in Liquid Half- and Full-Cells. Chem Rev 2021; 121:15075-15140. [PMID: 34677946 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A substantial amount of research effort has been directed toward the development of Pt-based catalysts with higher performance and durability than conventional polycrystalline Pt nanoparticles to achieve high-power and innovative energy conversion systems. Currently, attention has been paid toward expanding the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) of catalysts and increase their intrinsic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, despite innumerable efforts having been carried out to explore this possibility, most of these achievements have focused on the rotating disk electrode (RDE) in half-cells, and relatively few results have been adaptable to membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) in full-cells, which is the actual operating condition of fuel cells. Thus, it is uncertain whether these advanced catalysts can be used as a substitute in practical fuel cell applications, and an improvement in the catalytic performance in real-life fuel cells is still necessary. Therefore, from a more practical and industrial point of view, the goal of this review is to compare the ORR catalyst performance and durability in half- and full-cells, providing a differentiated approach to the durability concerns in half- and full-cells, and share new perspectives for strategic designs used to induce additional performance in full-cell devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yeong Ahn
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Park
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Sungjun Kim
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Ok-Hee Kim
- Department of Science, Republic of Korea Naval Academy, Jinhae-gu, Changwon 51704, South Korea
| | - Wonchan Hwang
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Min Her
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Sun Young Kang
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - SungBin Park
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Oh Joong Kwon
- Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, South Korea
| | - Hyun S Park
- Center for Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Yong-Hun Cho
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Kangwon National University, Samcheok 25913, South Korea
| | - Yung-Eun Sung
- Center for Nanoparticle Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Seoul 08826, South Korea.,School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mu YT, Yang SR, He P, Tao WQ. Mesoscopic modeling impacts of liquid water saturation, and platinum distribution on gas transport resistances in a PEMFC catalyst layer. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
9
|
|
10
|
Correlation between Precursor Properties and Performance in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction of Pt and Co “Core-shell” Carbon Nitride-Based Electrocatalysts. Electrocatalysis (N Y) 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12678-019-00569-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|