Catalyst layer operation approach

How are we going to disentangle this mess The strategy of the modeling approaches reviewed in this contribution is to start from appropriate structural elements, identify relevant processes, and develop model descriptions that capture major aspects of catalyst layer operation. In the first instance, this program requires theoretical tools to relate structure and composition to relevant mass transport coefficients and effective reactivities. The theory of random... 

FIGURE 13.15 Schematic illustrations of a standard NSTF cathode (a) and various approaches (b, c, and d) demonstrated in Ref. [122] to improve the fuel cell operational robustness of NSTF. (b) NSTF cathode was coated with 4-nm-thick ionomer. (c) NSTF cathode was decorated with lOnm silica particles, (d) A few-micron-thick dispersed-catalyst layer was located adjacent to NSTF cathode. Reprinted with permission from Ref. [122]. ECS. (See insert for color representation of the figure.)... 

One of the most critical issues for applying catalyst layers is, that strong adhesion is the demand during operation of the microreactor, but when deactivation occurs the removal of the catalyst layer may then become a challenging task. Reactor costs must be low, so that the reactor can be removed as low cost assembly, but in most cases the hfe cycle analysis and the life cycle costing may not allow such approach. MicroChannel catalyst coating reviews by Meille (2006) or Renken Kiwi-Minsker (2010) give no information on catalyst removal topics. 

One major goal of fuel-cell models is to match the experimental polarization curve for the operating conditions considered. The simplest approach is to treat the MEA as a reactive boundary between the anode and cathode sides. With increasing complexity, the two catalyst layers can be described separately as an effective boundary, a quasi-three-dimensional layer which is partially flooded with... 

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