Parametric study and optimization of the cathode catalyst layer in PEM fuel cells

Extensive research and development efforts are being under taken in recent year in the field of PEM fuel cell (PEMFC) systems to make them commercially viable. The platinum loading is typically about 0.05-0.2 mg.cm-2 on the anode side and 0.2-0.6 mg.cm-2 on the cathode side. More platinum is used on the cathode side because of the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction. As many limiting proc sses take place in the reaction layer, it is important to model this layer. Given the importance and details of this layer, instead of simulation software such as COMSOL, MATLAB was used to solve and simulate the model. A two-dimensional steady state model for a PEM fuel cell cathode is described in this work. All the components in the cathode such as the gas manifold, diffusion layer, micro-porous layer and the catalyst layer are modeled. Concentrations of gaseous components, liquid water saturation in the cathode catalyst layer and ionomer local potential calculated to solve the equations in MATLAB. After comparing the results of the model and experimental data, the design parameters include platinum loading, catalyst layer thickness and ionomer weight fraction was chosen to achieve maximum current density. The optimal values were calculated in both high and low operating voltage