Understanding Impacts of Catalyst-Layer Thickness on Fuel-Cell Performance via Mathematical Modeling

Publication Type

Journal Article

Date Published

06/2016

Authors

Iryna V. Zenyuk, Prodip K. Das, Adam Z. Weber

DOI

Abstract

In this article, a two-dimensional, multiphase, transient model is introduced and used to explore the impact of catalyst-layer thickness on performance. In particular, the tradeoffs between water production and removal through transport or evaporation are highlighted, with a focus on low-temperature performance. For the latter, a case study of an ultra-thin catalyst layer is undergone to explore how various material properties alter the steady-state and startup performance of a cell. The findings provide understanding and guidance to optimize fuel-cell performance with thin electrodes.

Journal

Journal of The Electrochemical Society

Volume

163

Year of Publication

2016

Issue

7

ISSN

0013-4651

Organization

Research Areas

Laboratory

LBNL

Type

Analysis, Integration, Legacy Papers