Homogenization of the current density in polymer electrolyte fuel cells by in-plane cathode catalyst gradients

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PE fuel cells) working with air at low stoichiometries (<2.0) and standard electrochemical components show a high degree of inhomogeneity in the current density distribution over the active area. An inhomogeneous current density distribution leads to a non-uniform utilization of the active area, which could negatively affect the time of life of the cells. Furthermore, it is also believed to lower cell performance. In this work, the homogenization of the current density, realized by means of tailored cathodes with along-the-air-channel redistributed catalyst loadings, is investigated. The air stoichiometry range for which a homogenization of the current density is achieved depends upon the gradient with which the catalyst is redistributed along the air channel. A gentle increasing catalyst loading profile homogenizes the current density at relatively higher air stoichiometries, while a steeper profile is suited better for lower air stoichiometries. The results show that a homogenization of the current density by means of redistributed catalyst loading has negative effects on cell performance. Model calculations corroborate the experimental findings on homogenization of the current density and deliver an explanation for the decrease in cell performance.