Electrospun Nanofiber Electrodes for Boosted Performance and Durability at Lower Humidity Operation of PEM Fuel Cells

The need for the development of new materials and strategies to enhance performance PEM fuel cell at low humidity platinum (Pt) loadings is becoming increasingly crucial. Due this fact, current study presents fabrication electrospun sulfonated silica (S-SiO2) as a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE))-based, flexible, freestanding, highly porous novel cathode structure cells. developed fiber-based P(VDF-TrFE)/Pt/C/S-SiO2 cathodes are compared with PVDF/Pt/C/S-SiO2, PVDF/Pt/C/Nafion, conventionally sprayed electrodes evaluate utility (carrier) P(VDF-TrFE) polymer in electrode structure. Morphological analyses revealed that S-SiO2 Pt/C particles were homogeneously distributed along fibers without any significant agglomerations. MEAs prepared by P(VDF-TrFE)-Pt/C/S-SiO2 Pt (0.1–0.15 mg cmPt–2) demonstrated promising recording up 417.7 mW cm–2. It also exhibited remarkable power output retention (98.2%) under partially humidified conditions. In situ electrochemical measurements reveal enhanced particle distribution Pt/S-SiO2 surface contact results surpassing conventional PVDF/Pt/C/Nafion cathodes. durability record retaining 86.5% their maximum after 30 000 cycles Pt-dissolution accelerated stress test (AST). Furthermore, high 2.7% gain density 1000 carbon corrosion test.