Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly - Fabrication and Characterization

Fuel cell technologies have a significant role to play in the decarbonisation of our electricity grid and transportation systems. The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), a key component of the fuel cell and where the electrochemical reactions occur must be optimized to improve the performance and durability of the fuel cell. Therefore, there is a need to improve the MEA for optimal power density and durability. In the scope of this thesis, the optimal process parameters for MEA fabrication were studied. In the initial phase, the aim was to ensure good pressure distribution and total transfer of the electrodes from the substrate to the membrane. Subsequently, the behaviour of different substrates during the transfer process was observed. This is primarily due to the high cost of Platinum and to ensure the MEA has the same catalyst loading as prescribed. Substrate 2 proved superior in comparison to other substrates investigated. This was primarily due to its smooth surface and usability at even lower temperatures and pressures. In the latter stages, more emphasis was placed on optimizing the fabrication parameters for performance. Tests were run in a single cell setup to determine the performance of the fabricated MEAs in-situ. The performance and durability of the fabricated MEAs are dependent on the pressing parameters as they influence the access to the three-phase boundary, i.e. mass transport, and the contact resistance of the MEAs. The fabricated MEAs had similar performance to the commercial MEA. To find optimal parameters however, more in-situ tests will be needed which will be done by another student in the coming months.