1-Hexanol Based Catalyst Inks for Catalyst Layer Preparation for a DMFC

Abstract

Abstract The catalyst ink preparation for a catalyst layer production by screen printing for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is evaluated. Among a large variety of solvents 1-hexanol was chosen for the preparation due to its properties fitting the requirements for the ink preparation. 1-hexanol based catalyst inks lead to thicker catalyst layers compared to isopropyl-/propylalcohol based catalyst inks, currently used in-house. Despite showing different layer properties, MEAs based on 1-hexanol or isopropyl-/propylalcohol based catalyst layers show comparable electrochemical performances. When using 1-hexanol based catalyst inks the dispersion procedure shows great influence on the outcoming catalyst layer. Long dispersion periods and a medium power output of ultrasonication of the catalyst dispersion are beneficial and lead to good coating qualities of the catalyst layer and therefore to high electrochemical performances.