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Abstract: A five-layer catalyst coated membrane (CCM) based upon Nafion 115 membrane for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was designed and fabricated by introducing a modified Nafion layer between the membrane and the catalyst layer. The properties of the CCM were determined by SEM, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, ruinous test and I–V curves. The characterizations show that the modified Nafion layers provide increased interface contact area and enhanced interaction between the membrane and the catalyst layer. As a result, higher Pt utilization, lower contact resistance and superior durability of membrane electrode assembly was achieved. A 75% Pt utilization efficiency was obtained by using the novel CCM structure, whereas the conventional structure gave 60% efficiency. All these features greatly contribute to the increase in DMFC performance. The DMFC with new CCM structure presented a maximum power density of 260mWcm−2, but the DMFC with conventional structure gave only 200mWcm−2 under the same operation condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ketjen Black EC 300J with an extremely high mesoporous area and electrical conductivity, was used as an additive in the cathode catalyst layer to improve the DMFC (direct methanol fuel cell) performance. Ketjen Black EC 300J and the catalyst ink were characterized by TEM. The cathode catalyst layers were characterized by SEM, in situ cyclic voltammetry and I–V curve measurements. Ketjen Black EC 300J additive increased the dispersion extent of Pt black particles and improved the Pt utilization. In addition, the pore size and porosity was increased when Ketjen Black EC 300J was added into the cathode catalyst layer. The cathode catalyst layer with Ketjen Black EC 300J additive showed a greater single cell performance than the cathode catalyst layer without any additive, especially in the air-breathing mode. These results suggested that the performance improvement was attributed to the increased Pt utilization, oxygen diffusion and water removal capability when Ketjen Black EC 300J was added into the cathode catalyst layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]