Homogenization of a catalyst layer model for periodically distributed pore geometries in PEM fuel cells

TL;DR

This paper develops a homogenized model for oxygen reduction in PEM fuel cell catalyst layers with periodic pore structures, linking microscopic pore phenomena to macroscopic transport equations for design optimization.

Contribution

It introduces a formal derivation of an effective model for catalyst layers with periodic pore geometries, integrating microscopic pore-level phenomena into macroscopic equations.

Findings

Derived a homogenized model for oxygen transport in catalyst layers.

Established macroscopic transport equations from microscopic pore-level analysis.

Provides a foundation for future catalyst layer design optimization.

Abstract

We formally derive an effective catalyst layer model comprising the reduction of oxygen for periodically distributed pore geometries. By assumption, the pores are completely filled with water and the surrounding walls consist of catalyst particles which are attached to an electron conducting microstructure. The macroscopic transport equations are established by a multi-scale approach, based on microscopic phenomena at the pore level, and serve as a first step toward future optimization of catalyst layer designs.