Hydrophilic-hydrophobic dual catalyst layers for proton exchange membrane fuel cells under low humidity

Operating proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) under low humidity is important for applications of small electrical devices such as drone. Hydrophilic catalyst is prepared by depositing Pt nanoparticles on oxygen-functionalized carbon supports while commercial Pt/C is used as hydrophobic catalyst. Dual catalyst layer (dual-CL) electrodes are prepared with an inner hydrophilic layer and an outer hydrophobic layer for a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), and it is applied for PEMFC under low humidity. The dual-CL MEA shows enhanced cell performance and durability than MEAs with a single hydrophobic or hydrophilic catalyst layer. Hydrophilicity in anode is the most important to enhance performance.