Investigation on Applicability of CNT Sheet as Current Collection Assisting Layer for Enhanced Performance in Flexible PEMFCs

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Fuel cells have been considered as next-generation energy conversion devices with advantages of high energy density and eco-friendliness. Especially, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) can be operated at low temperatures and possess high performance; therefore, they are appropriate for power sources of vehicles or portable electronics. Here, the applicability of carbon nanotube sheet as a current collector in flexible PEMFCs is investigated. Carbon nanotube current collection assisting layer (CNTCCAL) with a thickness of 15 μm is attached to the gas diffusion layer. In the flat position of the flexible fuel cell, it shows 52.1 mW/㎠ of the power density and 1.51 Ω ㎠ of ohmic resistance. In the highest-bent position, the fuel cell shows 93.1 mW/㎠ of the power density and 0.735 Ω ㎠ of ohmic resistance. The performance of the flexible fuel cell with CNTCCAL increases 35.3% in the flat position, while it increases 17.1% in the highest-bent position. With applying CNTCCAL to the flexible fuel cell, the overall performance is enhanced, and the performance in the flat position increases significantly. The result indicates that CNT-applied flexible PEMFC is applicable for power sources of flexible and portable electronics.