Numerical Study of Sputter Deposited Ultra-Low Loaded Effective Platinum Electrocatalyst Utilization in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell.

AbstractHigh Platinum loading levels in fuel cells may ensure better durability and catalytic activity but increases fuel cells’ cost, thereby hindering large-scale commercialization. The use of non-precious catalysts may seem like a lucrative solution, but they cannot substitute platinum completely. Hence, the focus should also be given to alternate fabrication methods of the catalyst layer that will achieve ultra-low platinum loadings. Some of the methods are modified thin film method, electrodeposition, sputter deposition method, dual ion beam assisted deposition, and electroless deposition. Nano carbons as catalyst support can also be given priority as they aid the catalyst with mechanical properties. Each method is compared, reflecting the inherent advantages and disadvantages. Finally, the sputter deposition method was chosen as the most promising method in the current state of technology and research. A computational fluid dynamics simulation of a fuel cell using the sputter deposition method was performed which showed high power utilization thereby validating the benefits of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]