Fabrication and performance test of a catalyst-coated membrane from direct spray deposition

Catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) play an important role in the PEMFCs. The direct-spraying deposition method that is using ethylene-glycol (EG) soaked Nafion membrane and the catalyst ink with isopropyl alcohol as the primary liquid media and small amount of EG as additive has been developed for fabrication of high-quality CCMs. The properties of the CCMs have been analyzed by SEM, I-V and EIS characterization. Both modification of catalyst layers and membrane surfaces with Nafion had significant impacts on the cell performance. On favorable conditions, a peak power density of ~ 430mW/cm² could be achieved for a H₂|O₂ cell at ambient pressure and total Pt loading of 0.3mg/cm² including both the anode and cathode.