The Influence Catalyst Layer Thickness on Resistance Contributions of PEMFC Determined by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is an important tool for fuel-cell analysis and monitoring. This study focuses on the low-AC frequencies (2–0.1 Hz) to show that thickness of catalyst layer significantly influences overall resistance cell. By combining known models, a new equivalent circuit model was generated. The able simulate signal in complete frequency spectrum 105–10−2 Hz, usually used experimental work polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs). compared with data older from literature verification. electrochemical spectra recorded different MEAs cathode thicknesses approx. 5 12 µm appearance third semicircle low-frequency region scales current density. It has been shown ohmic contribution (Rmt) this increases layer’s thickness. Furthermore, decrease increasing catalyst-layer cause phenomenon identified be increased water retention by thicker layers.