The impact of structural characteristics of the catalyst layer on fuel cell performance based on reconstruction method

The catalyst layer (CL), where the chemical reaction occurs, is the core component of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. However, due to its complex microstructure and composition, it is difficult and costly to study its transport properties and electrochemical characteristics. Since the porous structure of the CL is extremely small and experimental acquisition is of great difficulty, a process-based reconstruction method is proposed. Comparisons between the real CL and the CLs reconstructed by algorithms are conducted utilizing two-point correlation function, linear-path function and box-counting function. The catalyst activation reaction area is optimized and a method that can enhance the output performance of the fuel cell through optimizing the structure of CL is presented. The reconstruction results and pore size analyses show that the process-based reconstruction method is superior to the traditional sphere model. And the fuel cell has optimal output performance when the porosity of the CL is 0.6 and the average pore scale is between 40 and 140 nm. The method has considerable referential importance for understanding and optimizing the structural characteristics of the CL. Theoretical basis for improving the transport characteristics and output performance of fuel cell derived from the structural properties of the CL is provided.

Automated summary

This study investigates the reconstruction and optimization methods of the catalyst layer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, with results showing that a process-based reconstruction method is superior to traditional models, and optimal structural parameters for CL's best output performance are proposed. This has significant reference value for understanding and optimizing the structural characteristics of the CL.