Optimization SiO2 loading in catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) catalyst layer to improve the PEMFC performance at 95 degree celsius

In this ever-changing world where technology is rapidly advancing, large energy consumption has been an issue ever since. Due to the limited amount of natural resources in the world, researchers have been looking into alternative sources of clean energy. Hence, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) become a prime candidate as an alternative to fossil fuels. It is also one of the most heavily researched clean energy source currently. Researchers in this field have been attempting to improve the hydration of PEMFC at high temperatures. However, the Catalyst-Coated Membrane (CCM) will dehydrate when the temperature is too high, causing the thermal stability of PEMFC to decrease greatly. A solution is to produce hybrid Nafion® membranes where hydroscopic additives are being introduced to retain the hydration in the membranes. This would reduce the possibility of dehydration in the membranes when operating at high temperatures. Current researches in the viability of using multi-layered spray-coating of catalyst-coated membranes (CCM) to fabricate hybrid recast Nafion® membranes have been carried out. However, it did not involve experiments whereby additives are added directly into catalyst layers. Hence, the main objective of this final year project is to conduct experiments to investigate the viability in fabricating catalyst-coated membranes that have additives in the catalyst layers.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering