Modeling the Effects of MPL on the Transient Response of Proton-Exchange Membrane Using Experimentally Measured Capillary Pressure

A model to investigate the effect the effects of MPL on the transient response of proton-exchange membrane to load change is developed. The model shows that the use of cathode MPL slows down the transient process, especially within the first few hundred seconds, when the voltage is increased. However, the use of cathode MPL does not have a significant effect on the transient process when the cell voltage is decreased. Decreasing the MPL absolute permeability is observed to prolong the transient process in the membrane when the cell voltage is increased. We also observed that making the MPL more hydrophobic increasing the time for the transport in the cathode catalyst layer to reach the steady state when the cell voltage is increased.