Tailoring ionomer distribution in the catalyst layer via heteroatom-functionalization toward superior PEMFC performance.

We investigate in detail the influence of O, S, and N functionalization of PtCo/C catalysts on the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The results demonstrated that N-functionalization is more beneficial for the distribution of the ionomer in the catalyst layer, resulting in a trade-off between oxygen and hydronium ion transport.