Lim, Katie Heeyum Hwang, Jungsoo Kim, Ohsub Kim, Jihyun Kim, Hyoung-Juhn Henkensmeier, Dirk Yoo, Sung Jong Kim, Jin Young Lee, So Young Yoon, Young-Gi Kim, Tae-Young Jung, Chi-Young Park, Hee-Young Park, Hyun S. Jang, Jong Hyun 2025-05-22T06:30:16Z 2025-05-22T06:30:16Z 2025-05-21 2025-07 0378-7753 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/152486 Conventional cathodes of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) composed of two components, Pt/C catalyst and ionomer, are cautiously fabricated to achieve efficient electron, ion, and mass transfer through the electrode. However, the degradation of the cathode structure due to carbon support oxidation limits the longterm operation of PEMFCs by interrupting gas transfer through the deformed electrode. This carbon corrosion problem is often addressed by replacing carbon with other catalyst-supporting materials, albeit with limited effects. Herein, we report a new cathode design that incorporates a noncorrosive additive as a third component into traditional PEMFC systems to mitigate cathode degradation, thereby enhancing PEMFC performance and durability. The noncorrosive additive improves PEMFC durability by more than three times compared to fuel cells without the additive in accelerated stress tests (ASTs). Through this simple process, the porous cathode structure maintains its integrity even under severe carbon corrosion, unlike conventional cathodes, thereby ensuring sustained transfer pathways for ions and gas fuels throughout the electrode. Moreover, the initial PEMFC performance increases by 13.6 %, attributed to the intensified porous networks in this new cathode design. English Elsevier BV Transfer-enhanced cathode with noncorrosive inorganic-based composite additive for durable proton exchange membrane fuel cells Article 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237063 1 Journal of Power Sources, v.644 Journal of Power Sources 644 N scie scopus 001477773400001 2-s2.0-105002894453 Chemistry, Physical Electrochemistry Energy & Fuels Materials Science, Multidisciplinary Chemistry Electrochemistry Energy & Fuels Materials Science Article ELECTROCATALYST DISPERSION THICKNESS CATALYST-LAYER PERFORMANCE-DEGRADATION ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES SUPPORT MATERIALS CARBON DURABILITY PEMFC Proton exchange membrane fuel cell Three-component electrode Inorganic composite additive Carbon corrosion Triple phase boundary