Advancing next-generation proton-exchange membrane fuel cell development in multi-physics transfer

Summary

The development of an ultralow-Pt catalyst layer (CL) without sacrificing proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell performance and durability is urgently needed to boost fuel cell commercialization. Besides material development, advanced CL microstructure design is required to ensure optimal multi-physics transfer and enhanced electrochemical surface area (ECSA). However, this is largely hindered by current poor understanding of the complex "gas-liquid-heat-electron-proton" transfers, in conjunction with the electrochemical reactions, and is also greatly influenced by the temporal CL microstructure evolution during long-term operation. Herein, we present several important research and development directions after critically examining the multi-physics transfer in fresh CLs and the microstructure evolution of degraded CLs. This knowledge is essential to designing and fabricating ultralow-Pt CLs for next-generation cost-effective, high-performance, and durable PEM fuel cells and to meet the urgent need for development of new research tools, including pore- and cell-scale models, experimental methods, machine learning algorithms, and their rational combinations.