LAUSR

We report a high-performance patterned hydrophobic catalyst layer suitable for efficient proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells using alternating hydrophobic channels. Using the shadow mask spraying process, we produced a layer of dot-array and linear hydrophobic patterns on the ordinary cathode catalyst layer. The alternating hydrophobic channels enhance the transport of liquid water/air on the catalyst layer surface and improve the performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. The performance of cells with dot-array hydrophobic catalyst layer, linear hydrophobic catalyst layer (LHCL), and surface hydrophobic catalyst layer was compared with that of the ordinary catalyst layer (OCL). Their performance was characterized by in-situ electrochemical methods such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curve. The results show that the output power of LHCL is 0.14 W higher than that of OCL, which is approximately 49% improvement. A stable water/gas channel is formed on the cathode catalyst layer surface, so that the mass transfer can be continuously and stably carried out. This work provides a new idea for the water management in fuel cells.