Using Localized Impedance Spectroscopy to Study the Effect of Loading Potential Variation on DMFC Anode Performance

Abstract:

By localized impedance spectroscopy (LEIS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the effect of loading potential variation on the performance of direct methanol fuel cell ( DMFC ) anode was studied. During surface scanning, the local impedance of the anode showed sawtooth-like distribution under potential loading, which meant the electrochemical activity in the anode surface was nonuniform. Meanwhile, the local impedance tended to increase with loading potential increasing. After loading 16h and 72h at 0.6V, the average size of catalysts changed from 3.4nm to 3.6nm and 4.4nm, increased by 5.88% and 29.41%. After loaded for 72h under 0.8V, the ratio of Pt:Ru in catalyst changes from 2:1 to 3.9:1. It is the change of the difference in local area, which showed impedance increase, catalyst particle size growing up and agglomeration, the loss of Ru, that contributed to the performance decay of DMFC anode.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 852)
• Pages: 785-791
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.852.785
• Online since: April 2016
• Authors: Nai Bao Huang, Wan Li, Cheng Hao Liang, Li Shuang Xu, Xiao Ye Wang, Tian Hang Sun, Min Sun
• Keywords: Anode, DMFC, Loading Potential Variation, Localized Impedance Spectroscopy (LEIS), Ultramicroelectrode (UME)

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