Catalyst Layer Performance in PEM Fuel Cell: Analytical Solutions

We report the most general analytical solutions to a macrohomogeneous model for performance of the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) in PEM fuel cell. Equations for the shapes of local parameters through the CCL thickness and for the CCL polarization curve are derived for the regime of mixed oxygen- and proton-transport limitations. In the limit of ideal oxygen transport, an equation for the CCL polarization curve valid in the whole range of currents is obtained. Good agreement between analytical and exact numerical results is demonstrated.