Electrochemical Kinetics and Mass Transport in Fuel Cell Systems

Electrochemical kinetics and mass transport underpin the performance of fuel cells by governing reaction rates, species distribution and overall energy conversion efficiency. In the cathode and anode catalyst layers, the rates of charge transfer and catalytic turnover determine the current density and voltage losses, while the transport of reactant gases, protons and water through porous media affects reactant accessibility and product removal. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) rely on a delicate balance between ionic conductivity in the polymer electrolyte and gas diffusion through the ionomer-impregnated catalyst layer. Two-phase water management further complicates transport phenomena, as liquid water can block pores or dilute reactants. Advances in modelling frameworks—ranging from one-dimensional continuum approaches to microelectrode diagnostics—have clarified the interplay between hydrophobic treatments, ionomer distribution and catalyst morphology. By integrating detailed kinetic models with multiscale transport descriptions, researchers seek to optimise catalyst utilisation, minimise mass-transport losses and improve durability under real-world cycling. These insights are critical for scaling fuel cell technologies in automotive, stationary and portable power applications, where high power density and long service life remain paramount.

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Electrochemical Kinetics and Mass Transport in Fuel Cell Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in electrochemical kinetics and mass transport in fuel cell systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Electrochemical kinetics: Study of reaction rates and mechanisms at electrode interfaces, including charge-transfer resistances.
Mass transport: Movement of species (gases, ions, liquids) through porous media by diffusion and convection.
Catalyst layer: Composite region containing catalyst particles, ionomer and pores where electrochemical reactions occur.
Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR): Multi-step cathodic reaction in fuel cells where O₂ is reduced to water or hydroxide.
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC): Device that converts chemical energy to electricity via proton conduction through a polymer electrolyte.
Ionomer: Polymer electrolyte that conducts protons in catalyst layers and binds catalyst particles while permitting gas diffusion.

References

1. Electrochemical study of temperature and Nafion effects on interface property for oxygen reduction reaction. Ionics (2018).
2. Method—Using Microelectrodes to Explore Solid Polymer Electrolytes. Journal of The Electrochemical Society (2021).
3. A One-Dimensional Model of a PEM Fuel Cell with the Cathode Catalyst Layer Hydrophobically Treated for Water Management. Journal of The Electrochemical Society (2022).