Sluggish kinetics and poor stability of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst remain the major challenges for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Our research group has previously shown that ionic liquids can enhance the activity and stability of ORR electrocatalysts by improving oxygen solubility and hydrophobicity. However, the promising improvements observed in half-cell rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments does not always translate to full-cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) performance. Inhomogeneous distribution of ionic liquids, potential loss of ionic liquids during MEA operation, and ionic liquid/ ionomer resistance may cause the discrepancy between RDE and MEA results. Here, we implement polymeric ionic liquid block co-polymers (PILBCP) to improve the ORR performance at fuel cell cathode. This novel ionomer improves ORR performance in RDE experiments as ionic liquids do. More importantly, incorporating PILBCP in cathode catalyst layers improves MEA performance beyond previously demonstrated levels. We will present our understanding of the mechanisms behind the performance enhancements.

Polymeric ionic liquid block copolymer for the oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.