Modified flooded spherical agglomerate model for gas-diffusion electrodes in alkaline fuel cells

The spherical-grain mathematical model is modified and tested against experimental data for single-layer, gas-diffusion electrodes of alkaline fuel cells. The model assumes that the electrode is made of spherical agglomerates of Raney metal and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that are flooded with electrolyte; the gas occupies the macropores of the electrode. In addition to previous analysis of the diffusion and reaction in the grains, the modified model includes the resistance of gas diffusion into the macropores and a thin electrolyte film surrounding the grain. The original model and the modified model are both compared with experimental polarization data for hydrogen oxidation on an Ni/PTFE electrode in alkaline electrolyte. The newly developed model predicts accurately the experimental data in all regions.