Influence of structural parameters on ordered cathode catalyst layer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

A steady-state numerical model was developed for an ordered cathode catalyst layer of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The governing equations account for proton and electron transfer, oxygen diffusion and electrochemical reaction kinetics. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental data. The dependence of the ordered catalyst layer (OCL) performance on structural parameters was investigated. It was revealed that the OCL performance was much sensitive to electrolyte volume fraction and platinum loading, and there were optimal values above which the performance dropped quickly. Carbon support with a smaller diameter and thickness is beneficial to the OCL performance.