Abstract
A novel self-humidifying composite membrane for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) at low humidity condition was developed. The Pt/$TiO_2$ catalyst particles were synthesized via supercritical impregnation methods. Pt precursor was dissolved in supercritical carbon dioxide and impregnated onto $TiO_2$ particles. Pt precursors were platinum(II) acetylacetonate, Dimethyl(1,5-cyclooctadiene) platinum(II) and we controlled the ratio of Pt to $TiO_2$. The impregnated Pt precursor was converted to $TiO_2$ supported Pt nanoparticle under various reducing conditions. Pt/$TiO_2$ catalyst particles were dispersed uniformly into the Nafion solution, and then Pt/$TiO_2$/Nafion composite membrane was prepared using solution-cast method. The self-humidifying composite membrane could minimize membrane conductivity loss under dry conditions due to the presence of catalyst and hydrophilic Pt/$TiO_2$ particles. To optimize the performance of MEA, amount of ionomer loading was controlled. And mixed catalysts were used. The cell performance of MEA was obviously improved under dry conditions at $65^{\circ}C$.