Fabrication of novel binderless anode via electrophoretic deposition for HT-PEMFC

Abstract

We report a simple strategy to fabricate electrodes for high temperature electrolyte membrane fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) by eliminating binder. The Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) method was used to fabricate the Gas Diffusion Electrode (GDE) in the absence of the binder. For comparison, the same catalyst ink was used to make hand-spray binderless electrode, and both electrodes used as anodes for Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) in a HT-PEMFC operating at 140°C. XRD and SEM were used to investigate the microstructure and morphology of GDEs. The ECSA was studied, and CO oxidation and desorption were evaluated. Results indicated proper attachment of electrocatalyst on GDL and better results for CO oxidation and desorption, when binderless EPD method was used. The maximum power density 180 mW cm⁻² was obtained for MEA prepared by binderless EPD method. Comparing these results by other works indicate that the binderless EPD electrode could be utilised as the anode for HT-PEMFC.