Our laboratory is focused on improving polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) through the optimization of their structural design, exploration of various materials, and refinement of measurement techniques. Innovative approaches to the utilisation of the catalyst layer (CL), gas diffusion layer (GDL) and bipolar plate (BP) components of conventional PEMFCs are being developed. In addition, we use various electrochemical measurement techniques, such as polarization curve analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to comprehensively confirm and validate our progress.

Conventional PEM fuel cells are comprised of several essential components. Particularly gas diffusion layer (GDL) and bipolar plate (BP) are physically interfacial contact with each other. However, there are still challenging issues regarding heterogeneous contact between GDL and BP; the relatively large roughness of GDL. This imperfect contact induces degradation in performance and durability based on heterogeneous electron & mass transfers.  

The nanoporous CNT sheet was inserted between cathodic gas diffusion layer (GDL) and bipolar plate (BP) for boosting electrochemical performance and durability in conventional PEMFCs. CNT sheets were synthesized through "Direct-spinning," which is cost-effective for mass production.

The nanoporous CNT with better interfacial contact provokes products (water) holdup adjacent to membrane, and elevation of reactant partial pressure. Thus membrane hydration and charge transfer are boosted, and the former performs an essential mission for expanding durability on conventional PEMFCs.

In a low-temperature PEMFC, liquid water is produced through condensation or an oxygen reduction reaction. If the amount of water produced is greater than the amount of water discharged, "flooding" occurs. Flooding affects the gas diffusion layer, causing the reaction gas to be insufficiently supplied to the catalyst layer, resulting in a decrease in the performance of the fuel cell. Our lab is conducting research on early diagnosis of flooding phenomenon through various methods such as "visualization cell", "high frequency resistance" measurement, and "current density scanning".

 Our research laboratory is studied in evaluating the durability and electrochemical characteristics of materials for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). We conduct degradation experiments on each material, investigating changes during the degradation process to predict durability and lifespan. To achieve this, we apply various degradation methods tailored to each material, referencing protocols from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and various research papers. Based on the changes in durability and electrochemical characteristics, we collaborate on developing artificial intelligence learning algorithms that can predict and diagnose the state of PEMFC. Additionally, we are conducting research on methods to predict the performance of fuel cells without fuel injection. Through these efforts, we aim to effectively reduce the time and cost required for the diagnosis of fuel cells.