Abstract
Polymer electrolyte membranes with catalyst layers are the most crucial components of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer cells and fuel cells. Their water permeation and swelling behavior significantly impact the proton transport and performance in energy conversion devices. In this study, water permeations and swelling properties of Nafion membranes with different platinum (Pt) nanolayers under different conditions are investigated. Visualization results demonstrate the entire swelling process of Pt-coated Nafion membranes and reveal water transport in Nafion membranes and breakage of the Pt nanolayer. The water permeation of Nafion membranes with a 17 nm Pt nanolayer coating reduces from 40 to less than 20 μmol min−1 cm−2 at 80 °C and 70 kPa differential pressure. The water permeation of Nafion membranes with a 36 nm Pt coating is slightly lower than one with a 17 nm Pt coating due to higher transport resistance through the thicker Pt nanolayer and smaller cracks on the Pt nanolayer. Nevertheless, the water permeation of Nafion membranes with Pt nanolayers is still in a good range for proton transport applications, demonstrating the feasibility of Pt or other metal coating on Nafion membranes as catalysts or substrates in PEM-based energy devices.
Original language | American English |
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Article number | Article No. 227582 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Power Sources |
Volume | 448 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Feb 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2019 Elsevier B.V.
NREL Publication Number
- NREL/JA-5900-75719
Keywords
- Platinum coating
- Polymer electrolyte membrane
- Swelling behavior
- Water electrolyzer
- Water permeation