The effect of a modified Nafion binder on the performance of a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC)

A modified Nafion binder using a different dispersion solvent, dimethylacetamide (DMAc), was applied to an electrode for a unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC). The properties of the new Nafion binder, such as dissolution rate, proton conductivity, water uptake, and I–V curves, were characterized in the study. The new Nafion binder showed less brittleness, leading to good structural integrity in the electrode and improvement of stability in the URFC performance. SEM images showed that the interfacial adhesion between the membrane and the electrode was improved by using the new Nafion binder. Therefore, the new Nafion binder was suggested as a promising candidate for a binding material in the electrode of the URFC.