Kang, Yun Sik Jang, Segeun Choi, Eunho Jo, Sunhee Kim, Sang Moon Yoo, Sung Jong 2024-01-19T12:30:38Z 2024-01-19T12:30:38Z 2022-04-03 2022-04 0363-907X https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/115484 Improving the durability of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) while obtaining high performance is required to further commercialize polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The durability of PEMFCs is improved by incorporating radical scavengers, such as CeO2 (ceria), into the MEA, especially the membrane. However, nanosized ceria particles are generally mixed with ionomers and are cast on substrates to fabricate composite membranes. In such a case, controlling their morphology and avoiding particle agglomeration is difficult. Herein, we report a novel method for constructing a robust membrane by incorporating ultrathin ceria barriers into the outermost sides of a commercial Nafion membrane to effectively alleviate radical attacks while ensuring the high uniformity and controllability of ceria layers. The improved durability of the composite membrane is confirmed via ex situ Fenton's test and in situ operation of a fuel cell. Moreover, we observe that the amount of fluoride ion emission and the loss of proton conductivity of the membranes decrease as the CeO2 density increases. The MEA comprises a modified membrane with CeO2 barriers that show proper areal density. It demonstrates excellent durability under accelerated environmental conditions (open circuit voltage test) and acceptable initial performance with an insignificant decrease in proton conductivity. English John Wiley & Sons Inc. Sandwich-like Nafion composite membrane with ultrathin ceria barriers for durable fuel cells Article 10.1002/er.7582 1 International Journal of Energy Research, v.46, no.5, pp.6457 - 6470 International Journal of Energy Research 46 5 6457 6470 N scie scopus 000734952200001 2-s2.0-85122044107 Energy & Fuels Nuclear Science & Technology Energy & Fuels Nuclear Science & Technology Article; Early Access PROTON-EXCHANGE MEMBRANE POLYMER ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANES DEGRADATION MECHANISM CHEMICAL DEGRADATION CARBON NANOTUBES GRAPHENE OXIDE XPS ANALYSIS DURABILITY STABILITY NANOPARTICLES polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell radical scavenger chemical degradation durability membrane electrode assembly