Phosphotungstic acid-coated glass fibre with thin Pd-sputtered films enhances fuel cell performance and durability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)

This study investigated the potential utilization of glass microfiber filters (GMFs) reinforced with hetero polyacid (12-phosphotungstic acid, H3PW12O40; PWA) in hydrogen fuel cells. Nano-sized PWA powders were confirmed through XRD and Raman spectra. Several analytical techniques confirmed the preservation of the Keggin structure of PWA following the absorption (interfacial contact) procedure using the dip-coating wetness method with water as the solvent. Proton conductivity under wet conditions exhibited a proportional increase with temperature. The research comprehensively explored the impact of the PWA membrane on microstructure, physicochemical properties, proton conductivity, and fuel cell performance. It was observed that the incorporation of Pd-decorated PWA enhances membrane mechanical strength, improves durability, and prevents membrane reduction from water contact, addressing PWA's high water solubility. Hydrogen fuel cells were constructed using both a pristine PWA membrane and a double-layered membrane (PWA/Pd). The PWA/Pd membrane demonstrated superior hydrogen fuel cell performance, achieving a higher maximum power density (MPD) of 16 mW cm(-2) at a current density of 50 mA cm(-2), compared to pristine PWA (1.03 mW cm(-2)) under identical conditions at 40 degrees C.