STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF PLATINUM LOADING ON THE CATALYST LAYER ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FUEL CELLS USING PHOSPHORIC ACID-DOPED ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE OPERATING AT HIGH TEMPERATURES

Abstract

Fuel cells using phosphoric acid-doped electrolyte membranes can operate at higher temperatures, improving water transport from the gas channels. This
enhances fuel cell performance, especially at high current densities where excess water production can flood the membrane, reducing efficiency. This paper
presents numerical simulation results evaluating the impact of Platinum loading on the catalyst layer on the performance of fuel cells with phosphoric acid-
doped electrolyte membranes. The results show that Platinum loading on the catalyst layer significantly affects fuel cell performance. As Platinum loading
increases, both current density and power density increase. The maximum power density rises from 0.234W/cm² to 0.478W/cm² as Platinum loading increases
from 0.056mg/cm² to 1.950mg/cm². However, the power density increase slows as Platinum loading continues to rise. Additionally, the results indicate the
impact of Platinum loading on the concentration changes of reactive gases. At low Platinum loading, the decrease in reactant concentration along the gas
channel is minimal, and this decrease increases with higher Platinum loading. The distribution of current density on the catalyst layer is uneven, and the current
density on the catalyst layer reaches a maximum value of 0.7179A/cm² when the amount of platinum is 1.950mg/cm² and a minimum current density of
0.1609A/cm² when the amount of platinum is 0.056mg/cm².