High-performance self-humidifying membrane electrode assembly prepared by simultaneously adding inorganic and organic hygroscopic materials to the anode catalyst layer

摘要: Abstract A novel self-humidifying membrane electrode assembly (MEA) has been successfully prepared by adding both a hydrophilic organic polymer (polyvinyl alcohol, PVA) and an inorganic oxide (silica) to the anode catalyst layer. This MEA shows excellent self-humidification performance under low-humidity conditions. sample containing 3 wt.% PVA silica in layer achieves current density as high 1100 mA cm−2 at 0.6 V, highest peak power is 780 mW cm−2, operating 60 °C 15% relative humidity for cathode. The also stability low-humidity: after 30 h of continuous operation same conditions, decreases just slightly, from ca. 900 mA cm−2, whereas with MEAs which only or alone had added, densities 700 mA cm−2 800 mA cm−2, respectively. improved can be attributed synergistic effect two hygroscopic materials