A parametric study of the cathode catalyst layer of PEM fuel cells using apseudo-homogeneous model

A pseudo-homogeneous model for the cathode catalyst layer performance in PE M fuel cells is derived from a basic mass-current balance by the control vo lume approach. The model considers kinetics of oxygen reduction at the cata lyst/electrolyte interface, proton transport through the polymer electrolyt e and oxygen diffusion through porous media. The governing equations, a two -point boundary problem, are solved using a relaxation method. The numerica l results compare well with our experimental data. Using the model, influen ces of various parameters such as overpotential, proton conductivity, catal yst layer porosity, and catalyst surface area on the performance of catalys t layer are quantitatively studied. Based on these results, cathode catalys t layer design parameters can be optimized for specified working conditions . (C) 2001 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.