Triple phase boundary (TPB) and pore structure in the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) play vital roles in the utilization of Pt-based catalyst in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The excellent TPBs on the catalyst surface and pore structure should be able to increase oxygen transport channels while maintaining proton transport, and simultaneously facilitate the efficient removal of product water. Here, we design a precision-regulated structure for the Pt/ionomer interfacial and pores using a gas breakthrough method driven by high evolution pressure. The highly efficient oxygen transport channels are created through enhanced TPB accessibility and opened pore structure in CCLs, leading to an 11% improvement in PEMFC performance at an appropriate HER current density and bubble intensity conditions. The proposed strategy provides a direction to tune the Pt/ionomer interface and improve the catalytic activity of Pt in MEA.
Li et al. (Sun,) studied this question.