Fuel-cell catalyst layers (CLs) are porous electrodes that are fabricated from CL inks: colloidal dispersions of catalyst particles and ion-conducting polymer (ionomer), dispersed in solvent(s). The complex interactions between the ink components ultimately dictate CL microstructure and electrochemical performance. To control the CL formation process and optimize fuel-cell performance, knowledge of these ink interactions is vital. In this review, we analyze data from ink-focused papers to elucidate how ink parameters (solvent type, ionomer-to-carbon ratio, etc.) impact ink interactions and CL performance. We then discuss these results in the context of the current understanding of two critical ink interactions: ionomer/solvent and ionomer/catalyst particle interactions.
BT - Current Opinion in Electrochemistry DA - 10/2021 DO - 10.1016/j.coelec.2021.100744 LA - eng N2 -Fuel-cell catalyst layers (CLs) are porous electrodes that are fabricated from CL inks: colloidal dispersions of catalyst particles and ion-conducting polymer (ionomer), dispersed in solvent(s). The complex interactions between the ink components ultimately dictate CL microstructure and electrochemical performance. To control the CL formation process and optimize fuel-cell performance, knowledge of these ink interactions is vital. In this review, we analyze data from ink-focused papers to elucidate how ink parameters (solvent type, ionomer-to-carbon ratio, etc.) impact ink interactions and CL performance. We then discuss these results in the context of the current understanding of two critical ink interactions: ionomer/solvent and ionomer/catalyst particle interactions.
PY - 2021 EP - 100744 ST - Current Opinion in Electrochemistry T2 - Current Opinion in Electrochemistry TI - Multicomponent, multiphase interactions in fuel-cell inks VL - 29 SN - 24519103 ER -