Fuel Cell Electrode Composite Resin Cracking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of high oxygen-permeable electrolyte resins in fuel cell electrodes can lead to cracking, reducing the power generation capability of fuel cells due to aggregation of catalyst carriers, which is exacerbated by the high viscosity and poor dispersibility of catalyst inks containing only these resins.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a general-type electrolyte resin with lower oxygen permeability into the electrode structure, alongside a high oxygen-permeable electrolyte resin, to control the mass fraction between 2% and 50%, preventing catalyst carrier aggregation and cracking while maintaining high power generation capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an electrolyte resin having high oxygen permeability is used in the catalyst ink, then the power generation capability of the fuel cell is improved, but cracking occurs on the electrode during application and drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte resin system combining two different resins: a fluorinated electrolyte resin (providing high oxygen permeability and power generation capability) and a non-fluorinated electrolyte resin (providing cracking prevention). This composite approach allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve high power output and structural integrity during manufacturing and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte resin by controlling the ratio of fluorinated to non-fluorinated resin components. By adjusting this compositional parameter, the catalyst ink achieves optimal balance between oxygen permeability (for power generation) and flexibility/adhesion (for cracking prevention).
2Quantity of substance
If the content of platinum is decreased in the catalyst ink, then the cost is reduced, but the power generation capability of the fuel cell is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte resin system to enhance oxygen transport efficiency. This allows for reduced platinum loading while maintaining adequate power generation capability, as the improved oxygen permeability compensates for the lower catalyst quantity.
3Quantity of substance
If a catalyst ink containing only high oxygen-permeable electrolyte resin is used, then the oxygen permeability is high, but the dispersibility of the catalyst carrier is poor leading to aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte resin system where the non-fluorinated resin component acts as a dispersing agent for the catalyst carrier, while the fluorinated resin provides high oxygen permeability. This composite approach ensures both excellent catalyst dispersion and high oxygen transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-fluorinated electrolyte resin acts as an intermediary substance that improves the wettability and dispersibility of the catalyst carrier particles in the ink formulation. This intermediary component enables uniform distribution of the catalyst before the ink is applied to the membrane, preventing aggregation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach prevents electrode cracking and enhances the power generation capability of fuel cells by improving the dispersibility and structural integrity of the catalyst ink, balancing the need for reduced platinum content with maintaining high oxygen permeability.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrolyte resin has oxygen permeability of less than 2.2×10−14 mol/(m s Pa) in an environment having temperature of 80 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 50%, and the second electrolyte resin has oxygen permeability of not less than 2.2×10−14 mol/(m s Pa) in the environment having temperature of 80 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 50%
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode (31c) for fuel cell comprises: a catalyst carrier (110) that is an electrically-conductive carrier (130) with a catalyst (120) supported thereon; a first electrolyte resin (141); and a second electrolyte resin (142). The first electrolyte resin has oxygen permeability of less than 2.2×10−14 mol/(m s Pa) in an environment having temperature of 80 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 50%. The second electrolyte resin has oxygen permeability of not less than 2.2×10−14 mol/(m s Pa) in the environment having temperature of 80 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 50%.