Performance of Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells with Ultra-Low Catalyst Loadings under Low Temperature Operation

have been proposed to replace Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to provide a cleaner and more sustainable source of power. PEMFCs can deliver high power density at low temperatures using hydrogen as fuel and oxygen from ambient air as oxidant. For PEMFCs to be competitive with ICE powered vehicles, cold start issues need to be addressed to ensure that the PEMFC is able to deliver rapid and stable performance in order to operate at low temperature conditions. The operation of these devices at low temperatures presents unique challenges for both water and thermal management. For example, during sub-optimal temperature operation (i.e., at < 65 oC) product water removal in the vapor phase is reduced, due to the low vapor pressure of water at lower temperatures. As a result, flooding of the diffusion media and catalys