Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFC) are under intense research as highly efficient and clean power sources for transportation and portable applications. The Cathode Catalyst Layer of PEFC, usually formed by carbon supported Pt-based catalyst, is considered as the most critical component. It involves all processes relevant for fuel cell operation. Cost and abundance of Pt is the major challenge for the commercialization of PEFC technology. Recent results in experiment and modeling indicate that catalyst activity and utilization could be improved by substantial factors.

Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFC) are under intense research as highly efficient and clean power sources for transportation and portable applications. The Cathode Catalyst Layer (CCL) of PEFC, usually formed by carbon supported Pt-based catalyst, is considered as the most critical component. It involves all processes relevant to fuel cell operation. Cost and abundance of Pt is the major challenge for the commercialization of PEFC technology. Recent results in experiment and modeling indicate that catalyst activity and utilization could be improved by substantial factors.

Highly efficient and environmentally clean energy conversion in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells is driven by electrochemical reactions that convert hydrogen and oxygen molecules into water. Water, the product of the overall reaction, is involved in all essential processes in the cell. Water management is, thus, a critical issue for fuel cell operation. It entails controlling water fluxes and maintaining appropriate levels of liquid water saturation in the different cell components.