Fabrication of a thin catalyst layer using organic solvents

The effects of various organic solvents on the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrode were investigated. The five catalyst inks were prepared by mixing the 20 wt.% Pt/C, 5 wt.% solubilized Nafion, tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH), and different organic solvents such as normal butyl acetate, iso-amyl alcohol, diethyl oxalate, ethylene glycol and ethylene glycol dimethyl ether. Membrane electrode assemblies were prepared by using a transfer method. From the measurements of performances of single cells, the most suitable solvent was selected and the results were discussed in terms of distribution of Nafion ionomer on Pt particles and robustness of the catalyst structure. In addition, reactant transport through electrodes was discussed in relation with decomposition of the solvents.