PEM Fuel Cell Ionomer Composition for Platinum Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and limited commercial viability of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells due to the requirement for platinum-group-metal (PGM) loadings and sluggish cathode oxygen reduction reaction kinetics hinder their widespread adoption for electric vehicles, necessitating improved compositions to enhance their performance and reduce fossil fuel reliance.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a fluoropolymer, a polymerized ionic liquid block copolymer (PILBC), and a catalyst, where the fluoropolymer enhances ionic mobility and the PILBC affects the catalyst's properties, such as oxygen transport and active site functionality, is used to improve the performance of PEM fuel cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If platinum-group-metal (PGM) loadings are increased to improve cathode oxygen reduction reaction kinetics, then the kinetic performance of PEM fuel cells is improved, but the cost and commercial viability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecathode oxygen reduction reaction kineticsVSAvoidplatinum content

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the catalyst support and ionomer materials to enhance catalytic activity per unit platinum. By changing the support material properties and ionomer composition, the system achieves improved oxygen reduction reaction kinetics with reduced platinum loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining catalyst particles with engineered support materials and ionomers. These composites optimize the distribution and utilization of platinum by integrating it with functional materials that enhance electron transfer, oxygen transport, and active site accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If fluoropolymer content is increased to enhance ionic mobility, then the ionic transport performance is improved, but the catalyst active site functionality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionic mobilityVSAvoidcatalyst active site functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating spatially differentiated zones within the catalyst layer. Areas with higher fluoropolymer content provide enhanced ionic mobility where needed, while other regions maintain higher catalyst density for optimal active site functionality. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between ionic transport and catalytic activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the fluoropolymer as an intermediary material that mediates between ion transport requirements and catalyst performance. The fluoropolymer creates conductive pathways for ion transport while the PILBC and catalyst components maintain active site functionality, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously through the intermediary's dual functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The composition significantly enhances the kinetic and transport characteristics of PEM fuel cells, leading to improved mass-based and electrochemical active surface area-based activities, reducing the need for high platinum content and increasing their commercial viability.

Implementation Method 1

the fluoropolymer is configured to affect ionic mobility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a catalyst, where the fluoropolymer is configured to affect ionic mobility, and the PILBC is configured to affect a property of the catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

PEM fuel cells are well-suited for market applications as power supplies for electric vehicles because of their high electrical efficiencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Data Source

PatentUS11680162B2Compositions for electrolyte fuel cells and other electrochemical conversion devices

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 ALLIANCE FOR ENERGY INNOVATION LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a composition that includes a fluoropolymer, a polymerized ionic liquid block copolymer (PILBC), and a catalyst, where the fluoropolymer is configured to affect ionic mobility, and the PILBC is configured to affect a property of the catalyst. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the property may include at least one of oxygen transport and/or an active site functionality of the catalyst.