Bridge to Fuel Cell Molecular Catalysis: 3D Non-Platinum Group Metal Catalyst in MEAs

Transition metal porphyrin complexes have been mounted in a three dimensional homogenous distribution inside the ionomer of catalyst layers in MEAs to achieve competitive fuel cell catalysis activity. The effect of electrode components including ionomer, carbon, catalyst, and mediator, and ionomer film thickness, is investigated in fuel cell molecular catalysis system. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) durability testing has been conducted. SEM and TEM techniques are employed to investigate molecular catalysis electrode micro- and nano- structure and morphology. To date, surprisingly, the best fuel cell performance, i.e. 1280 mA/cm² of maximum/short-circuit current density is achieved, approaching that of Pt-based electrode, indicating higher turnover frequencies than Pt although with poorer voltages.