Effect of Adding Zinc Oxide Particles to the Anode Catalyst Layer on the Performance of a Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

Commercial and home-made hygroscopic zinc oxide (ZnO) particles were added to the anode catalyst layer of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to improve its wettability, and thus the performance of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell under low-humidity conditions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the size of the home-made ZnO particles calcined at 300°C ranged from 20 nm to 30 nm. Single-cell performance with different types of ZnO particle in the anode catalyst layer was investigated at anode humidifier temperatures of 25, 45, and 65°C; the cell and cathode humidifier temperatures were fixed at 65°C. MEA with the ZnO particles calcined at 300°C had maximum power densities of 0.26, 0.33, and 0.34 W/cm² at anode humidifier temperatures of 25, 45, and 65°C, respectively; these were 30, 37.5, and 36% higher, respectively, than for MEA without ZnO particles.