Recent advances in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology with low platinum loading electrodes

The development of high-power-density solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells using high- and low-platinum-loading electrodes is discussed, and different approaches for further improvement are identified. Both chemical and electrochemical deposition from chloroplatinic acid provide satisfactory alternatives to sputtering for depositing a thin layer of Pt on the electrodes. The fuel cell performance is found to be greatly influenced both by the type and thickness of the proton conducting membrane. Striking results have been obtained in cells with a Dow polymer membrane, which has a higher conductivity and less of a mass transport limitation than Nufion. High-power-density solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) fuel cells have significant internal water and thermal management problems. Atomized liquid water that is drawn into the cell and subsequently evaporated may be an effective thermal management method.<>