A novel membrane electrode assembly (MEA) structure was developed that providesan enhanced membrane/electrode interface for improved fuel cell performance anddurability. The MEA was constructed by using a thin porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer as the substrate for both the polymer electrolyte membrane as well asthe cathode catalyst layer with improved interface characteristics. The highly porouscatalyst layer exhibited larger electrochemically active surface area (ESA) thantraditional catalyst layers. The fuel cell performance with the novel MEA alsoexhibited significant improvement due to the higher ESA over traditional MEAs underthe same conditions. Applications: Fuel cell
1) Larger electrochemically active surface area (ESA) 2) Reduced consumption of platinum 3) Reduced voltage losses and improved performance and efficiency 4) Improved mechanical bonding between the membrane and the electrode