Quantification and visualization of ionomer distribution in catalyst layers of PEMFCs

Kurzfassung

In this work, an approach for the differentiation and quantification of ionomer adsorbed on Pt/C and free ionomer in catalyst layers of PEMFCs is investigated. In order to determine the position of the ionomer in relation to Pt/C, a model system is introduced in which individual ink droplets are applied to a platinum substrate by inkjet printing. The results are compared with the analysis of the catalyst layers which are related to the electrochemical performance. The correlation between the IPA content used in the ink and the resulting CL ionomer coverage shows the potential of tuning the ionomer distribution when using inkjet printing as a deposition technique by adjusting the solvent composition.