Engineering proton conduction and Pt utilization via interfacial control for high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Miao Ma; Peiyuan Shao; Zigang Zhao; Lixiao Shen; Yunlong Zhang; Lei Zhao; Zhenbo Wang

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153738

Engineering proton conduction and Pt utilization via interfacial control for high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Miao Ma
, Peiyuan Shao
, Zigang Zhao
, Lixiao Shen^*
, Yunlong Zhang^*
, Lei Zhao^*
, Zhenbo Wang^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology
Harbin Engineering University
Shenzhen University

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The development of high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is essential for advancing the hydrogen economy. However, sluggish oxygen reduction kinetics and high platinum (Pt) dependence hinder widespread adoption. In this study, we systematically examine how the deposition substrate influences catalyst layer (CL) microstructure and interfacial contact in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Direct deposition of the CL onto the proton exchange membrane (PEM) yields a uniform coating with optimized porosity and superior interface integrity, thereby enhancing proton conduction, Pt utilization, and reaction kinetics. An optimal drying temperature of 80 °C further refines the pore structure and ionomer network. The resulting MEA achieves peak power densities of 0.85 W/cm² (H₂/Air) and 1.58 W/cm² (H₂/O₂) at an ultralow cathode Pt loading of 0.1 mg_Pt/cm², providing a strategic pathway for high-performance, low-Pt fuel cells.

Original language	English
Article number	153738
Journal	International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Volume	213
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153738
State	Published - 27 Feb 2026
Externally published	Yes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Keywords

Catalyst layer microstructure
Proton conduction
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Pt utilization
Triple-phase boundary

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10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153738

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title = "Engineering proton conduction and Pt utilization via interfacial control for high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells",

abstract = "The development of high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is essential for advancing the hydrogen economy. However, sluggish oxygen reduction kinetics and high platinum (Pt) dependence hinder widespread adoption. In this study, we systematically examine how the deposition substrate influences catalyst layer (CL) microstructure and interfacial contact in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Direct deposition of the CL onto the proton exchange membrane (PEM) yields a uniform coating with optimized porosity and superior interface integrity, thereby enhancing proton conduction, Pt utilization, and reaction kinetics. An optimal drying temperature of 80 °C further refines the pore structure and ionomer network. The resulting MEA achieves peak power densities of 0.85 W/cm2 (H2/Air) and 1.58 W/cm2 (H2/O2) at an ultralow cathode Pt loading of 0.1 mgPt/cm2, providing a strategic pathway for high-performance, low-Pt fuel cells.",

keywords = "Catalyst layer microstructure, Proton conduction, Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Pt utilization, Triple-phase boundary",

author = "Miao Ma and Peiyuan Shao and Zigang Zhao and Lixiao Shen and Yunlong Zhang and Lei Zhao and Zhenbo Wang",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2026 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC",

year = "2026",

month = feb,

day = "27",

doi = "10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153738",

language = "英语",

volume = "213",

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TY - JOUR

T1 - Engineering proton conduction and Pt utilization via interfacial control for high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells

AU - Ma, Miao

AU - Shao, Peiyuan

AU - Zhao, Zigang

AU - Shen, Lixiao

AU - Zhang, Yunlong

AU - Zhao, Lei

AU - Wang, Zhenbo

PY - 2026/2/27

Y1 - 2026/2/27

N2 - The development of high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is essential for advancing the hydrogen economy. However, sluggish oxygen reduction kinetics and high platinum (Pt) dependence hinder widespread adoption. In this study, we systematically examine how the deposition substrate influences catalyst layer (CL) microstructure and interfacial contact in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Direct deposition of the CL onto the proton exchange membrane (PEM) yields a uniform coating with optimized porosity and superior interface integrity, thereby enhancing proton conduction, Pt utilization, and reaction kinetics. An optimal drying temperature of 80 °C further refines the pore structure and ionomer network. The resulting MEA achieves peak power densities of 0.85 W/cm2 (H2/Air) and 1.58 W/cm2 (H2/O2) at an ultralow cathode Pt loading of 0.1 mgPt/cm2, providing a strategic pathway for high-performance, low-Pt fuel cells.

AB - The development of high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is essential for advancing the hydrogen economy. However, sluggish oxygen reduction kinetics and high platinum (Pt) dependence hinder widespread adoption. In this study, we systematically examine how the deposition substrate influences catalyst layer (CL) microstructure and interfacial contact in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Direct deposition of the CL onto the proton exchange membrane (PEM) yields a uniform coating with optimized porosity and superior interface integrity, thereby enhancing proton conduction, Pt utilization, and reaction kinetics. An optimal drying temperature of 80 °C further refines the pore structure and ionomer network. The resulting MEA achieves peak power densities of 0.85 W/cm2 (H2/Air) and 1.58 W/cm2 (H2/O2) at an ultralow cathode Pt loading of 0.1 mgPt/cm2, providing a strategic pathway for high-performance, low-Pt fuel cells.

KW - Catalyst layer microstructure

KW - Proton conduction

KW - Proton exchange membrane fuel cells

KW - Pt utilization

KW - Triple-phase boundary

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105028894182

U2 - 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153738

DO - 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153738

M3 - 文章

AN - SCOPUS:105028894182

SN - 0360-3199

VL - 213

JO - International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

JF - International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

M1 - 153738

ER -

Engineering proton conduction and Pt utilization via interfacial control for high-performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

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