Cho, Yong-Hun Kim, Jinho Yoo, Sung Jong Jeon, Tae-Yeol Ahn, Minjeh Jung, Namgee Cho, Yoon-Hwan Lim, Ju Wan Lee, Joong Kee Yoon, Won-Sub Sung, Yung-Eun 2024-01-20T18:33:16Z 2024-01-20T18:33:16Z 2021-09-05 2010-09-15 0378-7753 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/131102 A catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) as used in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is treated by dilute sulfuric acid solution (0.5 M) at boiling temperature for 1 h. This treatment improves the single-cell performance of the CCM without further addition of Pt catalyst. The changed microstructure and electrochemical properties of the catalyst layer are investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray, mercury intrusion porosimetry, waterdrop contact angle measurement, Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry in attenuated total reflection mode, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The results indicate that this pretreatment enhances MEA performance by changing the microstructure of the catalyst layer and thus changing the degree of hydration, and by modifying the Pt surface, thus enhancing the oxygen reduction reaction. (C) 2010 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved. English ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV GAS-DIFFUSION ELECTRODES OXYGEN REDUCTION CATALYST LAYERS IMPEDANCE PLATINUM Enhancement of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance by boiling a membrane electrode assembly in sulfuric acid solution Article 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2009.12.096 1 JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES, v.195, no.18, pp.5952 - 5956 JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES 195 18 5952 5956 scie scopus 000279203100022 2-s2.0-77953138791 Chemistry, Physical Electrochemistry Energy & Fuels Materials Science, Multidisciplinary Chemistry Electrochemistry Energy & Fuels Materials Science Article; Proceedings Paper GAS-DIFFUSION ELECTRODES OXYGEN REDUCTION CATALYST LAYERS IMPEDANCE PLATINUM Catalyst-coated membrane Pretreatment Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell Sulfuric acid solution