Cathode catalyst layer Physical degradation: A major contributor to accelerated water flooding in long-term operation of DMFCs

This study presents a comprehensive investigation on the water flooding of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) during long-term testing with regard to the structural changes of the catalyst layer and gas diffusion layer (GDL) of the cathode. The cathode catalyst layer is found to be severely deformed due to surface wrinkling and cracking during the aging of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The morphological alteration of the cathode catalyst layer, particularly the formation of wide and deep cracks is identified as the main reason for the acceleration of water flooding, while degradation of the cathode GDL is minor.

Keywords:

Direct methanol fuel cell , Cathode catalyst layer