Fuel-Cell Catalyst Layers

What this topic covers

How platinum, support, ionomer and pore structure share one reaction zone.

Core energy-system ideas

Platinum particles are commonly dispersed on a conductive support.

Ionomer provides proton-conducting pathways within the catalyst layer.

Pore structure must allow reactant gas and product water to move through the layer.

Important tradeoffs

Catalyst loading should be evaluated together with mass activity, transport, manufacturing and durability.

Material and performance evidence

Water, heat, gas purity and transient operation can change how effectively platinum catalyst layers perform.

Lifecycle perspective

The stack contains much more than platinum, so catalyst improvement does not eliminate balance-of-plant constraints.