Modeling of the cathode catalyst layer in PEM fuel cell

Modeling the mode of operation of catalyst active layers offers an interesting way for predicting the working behavior of the electrodes for Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cells. A pseudo-homogeneous model for the cathode catalyst layer performance in PEM fuel cells is derived from a basic mass current balance by the control volume approach. The model considers kinetics of oxygen reduction at the catalyst/electrolyte interface, proton transport through the polymer electrolyte and oxygen diffusion through porous media. The governing equations are solved numerically. The numerical results were compared with the open literature data. The main goal of this research work was to determine the factors affecting the performance of the fuel cell.

Keywords:

PEM fuel cells , active layer , modeling