Abstract:

As a green energy technology, fuel cell technology has great potential in reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the core component of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The smooth work of electrochemical reaction in MEA requires the coordination of all the functional parts. The performance of the fuel cell is restricted by the function parts of MEA, such as mass transfer, conductivity, proton conduction, catalysis, etc. According to the preparation method, MEA can be divided into catalyst coated substrate (CCS)-type MEA, catalyst coated membrane (CCM)-type MEA, ordered MEA and integrated MEA. The performance of MEA is not only determined by the catalyst loading, but also influenced by its structure design and preparation process. In this paper, the common improvement methods in the preparation of MEA are introduced. The research progress of catalyst spraying, blading, slot die coating, Nafion content in catalyst slurry composition and solvent polarity selection, catalytic layer gradient, patterning of catalyst layer and improvement of interface structure, PEM structure enhancement, patterning and film-forming method are discussed. It should be noted that the design of catalytic layer/proton exchange membrane (PEM) interface and catalytic layer/gas diffusion layer (GDL) interface will also directly affect the performance of MEA.

Key words: fuel cells, membrane electrode assembly, catalyst, interface, optimal design

摘要：

燃料电池技术作为一种绿色能源技术，在减少能源消耗、环境污染等方面具有巨大潜力。膜电极（MEA）是质子交换膜燃料电池（PEMFC）的核心部件，MEA中电化学反应的顺利进行需要各功能层的协调配合，MEA各功能层涉及的传质、导电、导质子、催化等方面均影响燃料电池的性能。根据制备方法，可以将MEA分为催化剂涂敷基底（CCS）型MEA、催化剂涂敷膜（CCM）型MEA、有序化MEA和一体化MEA。MEA的性能不仅由催化剂本身载量决定，也受其结构设计和制备工艺的影响。本文介绍了MEA制备过程中常见的改进方法，分别从催化剂喷涂、刮涂、模槽挤出涂覆方式，催化剂浆料组成中Nafion含量和溶剂极性选择，催化层梯度化、图案化及界面结构改进，PEM结构增强、图案化、成膜方式等方面的研究进展进行讨论。但是目前对于MEA各功能层界面间的研究较少，应该注意的是催化层/质子交换膜（PEM）界面以及催化层/气体扩散层（GDL）界面设计也将直接影响MEA的性能。

关键词: 燃料电池, 膜电极, 催化剂, 界面, 优化设计