Analyses of interfacial resistances in a membrane-electrode assembly for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell using symmetrical impedance spectroscopy

Abstract

Interfacial resistances between the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and catalyst layer (CL) in membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) have yet to be systematically examined in spite of its great importance on the fuel cell performance. In order to investigate ionic transport through the PEM/CL interface, the symmetrical impedance mode (SIM) was employed in which the same type of gas was injected (H-2/H-2). In this study, the ionic transport resistance at the interface was controlled by the additionally sprayed outer ionomer on the surface of each CL. Effectiveness of the outer ionomer on ionic transport at the interface was quantitatively explained by the reduced contact, proton hydration, and charge transport resistances in the SIM. To characterize the ionic transport resistance, the concept of total resistance (R-tot) in the SIM was introduced, representing the overall ohmic loss due to proton transport in an MEA. This concept was successfully supported via an agreement of the interpretation and the linear correlation that was obtained between the admittance (1/R-tot) and the performance of a fuel cell in the ohmic loss region. This correlation will enable researchers to predict the performance of a fuel cell under the influence of proton transport by examining the R-tot in the SIM.