| dc.description.abstract | This study employed the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) method to prepare Pt nanoparticles for application in the catalyst layer of fuel cell anode and cathode. By combining a straight-through flow plate with a self-made microporous layer, a Nafion thin film containing cerium dioxide particles was drop-casted on the catalyst layer. This approach increased proton conduction and water transport within the membrane, improved water retention, and reduced degradation caused by free radicals, thereby enhancing the durability of the membrane.
In this study, the optimization of the fuel cell flow channel structure was conducted. The performance of 3x3 single-area and three-area configurations was compared. The optimization results obtained from thinning the 5x5 flow channel in a previous experiment by a senior researcher in the laboratory were applied to the 3x3 flow channel suitable for the pulsed laser deposition process. Thinning the foamed material in the flow field resulted in wider inlet and outlet openings, improving the uniformity of fluid distribution and reducing pressure drop. These modifications demonstrated the effective enhancement of the fuel cell performance.Previous studies in the lab utilized 39BC carbon paper, which was suitable for drop-casting membrane fuel cell fabrication. However, as this model is no longer in production, an alternative product needed to be identified. 39BB carbon paper had larger cracks and higher crack surface area compared to 39BC, rendering it unsuitable for drop-casting membrane fuel cells. Therefore, a self-made microporous layer was developed. After successfully fabricating the microporous layer, a pore-forming agent was added to the MPL slurry. Through a high-temperature process, the pore-forming agent was removed, leaving a porous structure that improved gas transport efficiency and enhanced performance.
Furthermore, the doping level of cerium dioxide was compared. At the same operating temperature and humidity, the good water-absorbing properties of cerium dioxide enabled the membrane to effectively absorb moisture. The change in water distribution within the membrane concentrated water towards the center, preventing flooding of the catalyst layer and improving reaction efficiency, thereby increasing the fuel cell′s current density. | en_US |