Improving proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance with carbon nanotubes as the material of cathode microporous layer

Summary The cathode microporous layer (MPL) is fabricated by various multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and its influence on the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is evaluated. Three types of CNT with different dimensions are employed in the experiments, and the conventional MPL made by acetylene black (AB) is also considered for the purpose of comparison. The results show that the employment of CNT as MPL composition indeed may improve fuel cell performance significantly in comparison with the case of AB. The type of CNT with the largest tube diameter and straight cylinder in shape exhibits the highest cell performance. The corresponding optimal CNT loading and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content in the MPL are also evaluated. Results show that the case of cathode MPL composed of 1.5 mg cm−2 CNT and 20 wt% PTFE exhibits the best performance in all the experimental cases. The present data reveal that the application of CNT for MPL fabrication is beneficial to promote PEMFC performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Three kinds of CNT and acetylene black are employed to fabricate cathode microporous layer and evaluate their effects on PEMFC performance. The employment of CNT significantly improves fuel cell performance and the CNT with straight cylinder in shape and larger diameter exhibits higher cell performance. The corresponding optimal CNT loading and PTFE content are determined.