Fabrication and Evaluation of Catalyst Layers in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: A Comparison of Decal and Inkjet Printing Techniques

Controlling the porous structure of the catalyst layer in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is one of the challenges to improve the performance of PEFCs. In this study, we focused on an inkjet printing technique as a catalyst layer fabrication method utilized to elucidate the relationship between cell performance and the microstructure of the catalyst layer. A catalyst layer was prepared using an inkjet printer with a single nozzle, and the cell performance was examined. For comparison, the performance of the catalyst layer fabricated by the decal transfer technology was investigated. The catalyst layer prepared by the decal transfer method showed its better performance under the air supply condition, while the catalyst layer made by the inkjet printing technique was better under the oxygen supply in both low- and high-humidity conditions.