A Parametric Study of the PEM Fuel Cell Cathode

Most of the overpotential in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is related to the cathode electrode, particularly the cathode catalyst layer. in this research work, a mathematical model for the cathode electrode catalyst layer has been developed. the model is one dimensional, isothermal, pseudo-homogeneous and uses an adjustable parameter. the mathematical model has four nonlinear couple differential equations that have been solved using matlab software. the results obtained by comparing the existing data and model predictions are acceptable. in an optimized fuel cell electrode, it is desirable to achieve higher current densities, lower overpotential and lower catalyst consumption . in this regard, some of design parameters such as overpotential, proton conductivity, catalyst layer porosity and catalyst surf ace area on the performance offu el cell have been studied.