An overview on developments made to MEA components in proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems (PEMs)

Fuel cells are expected to soon become a source of lowto zero-emission power generation for applications in portable technologies and electric vehicles. Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are the key components in fuel cell system. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the heart component of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). MEA is the assembly, formed by two gas diffusion layers (GDL), two catalyst layers (CL) and the membrane. Mass transfer and heat and water management in an MEA are identified as important for preserving better steady-state performance of a PEMFC. To achieve these goals MEA components must be modified and optimized. Also, Improvements on MEA components are especially significant for overcoming the two major commercialization limits (i.e., durability and cost). This report outlined advances made to MEA components in PEM fuel cells that involves: advances made to membrane, CL (Platinum loading, Pt/C weight ratio and Catalyst material), GDL (GDL material, Hydrophobic treatment of GDL, Effect of carbon powder in GDL, GDL thickness and GDL degradation).

Keywords:

PEM fuel cell , MEA , Membrane , Catalyst layer , GDL