Power Generation Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells with Electrocatalysts Supported on SnO₂in High Current Density Range

The durability of conventional Pt/C catalysts is still an important technical issue for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). SnO2-supported electrocatalysts with carbon materials as electronic conductive frameworks have the potential to achieve both high catalytic activity and high durability against carbon support corrosion. However, it is still necessary to optimize cell preparation conditions to improve electrochemical cell performance especially in the high current density range. Here, PEFCs with such electrocatalysts are prepared by varying the preparation conditions of the catalyst layer in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and a combination of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and sealant thicknesses. Microstructural optimization is still needed for improving cell performance and minimizing overvoltages.