We show experimentally for the first time that the introduction of macro-pores in the nanoporous catalyst layer of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell can improve its performance. We have achieved a Pt utilization of about 0.23 mg W−1 at 0.6 V which is twice the value of the DOE target for 2020, and three times (0.60 mg W−1) smaller than the value of a fully nanoporous reference layer at a catalyst loading of 0.11 mg cm−2. In this work, monodispersed polystyrene particles with diameters of 0.5 and 1 μm were used as pore formers. Cathode catalyst layers with macroporous volume fractions between 0 and 0.58 were investigated. Maximum performance was observed for fuel cells with a macroporous volume fraction of about 0.52 for a 1 μm thick catalyst layer. The results, which were obtained for the cathode layer, support earlier theoretical predictions that gas access to and water escape from the catalyst can be facilitated by introduction of macropores in the nanoporous layer

Structurally modified hydroxyl functionalized pyridinium ionic liquids (ILs), liquid at room temperature, were synthesized and characterized. Alkylated N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-pyridinium ILs were prepared from alkylpyridines via corresponding bromide salts by N-alkylation (65–93%) and final anion exchange (75–96%). Pyridinium-alkylation strongly influenced the IL physicochemical and electrochemical properties. Experimental values for the ILs physicochemical properties (density, viscosity, conductivity, and thermal decomposition temperature), were in good agreement with corresponding predicted values obtained by theoretical calculations. The pyridinium ILs have electrochemical window of 3.0–5.4 V and were thermally stable up to 405°C. The IL viscosity and density were measured over a wide temperature range (25–80°C). Pyridine alkyl-substitution strongly affected the partial positive charge on the nitrogen atom of the pyridinium cations, as shown by charge distribution calculations. On-going studies on Mg complexes of the new ILs demonstrate promising properties for high current density electrodeposition of magnesium.