Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) structures include a polymer electrolyte membrane, anode catalyst, anode diffusion layer, cathode catalyst, and a cathode diffusion layer. The MEA is the core of the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), where the electrochemical reaction occurs. Specifically, the MEA significantly affects fuel cell performance. Thus, MEA pretreatment is important as it helps to stabilize MEA performance. The pretreatment process changes the electrode structure and enhances the polymer electrolyte hydration, igniting the electrochemical reaction and reducing the resistance. This research investigates two MEA designs: Sample 1 adopts the carbon cloth GDL while Sample 2 adopts the carbon paper GDL. After pretreatment, the polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were taken for each MEA. The performance of each MEA type under different pretreatment conditions is determined.
Relation:
Journal of Chinese Society of Mechanical Engineers=中國機械工程學刊 32(4), pp.285-292
