Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering

Electrochemical Impedance Analyses of ePTFE-reinforced Polymer Electrolyte Membrane-based PEMFC with Varying Thickness and Relative Humidity: Gyutae Park, Subin Jeong, Youngjae Cho, Junseo Youn, Jiwon Baek, Jooyoung Lim, Dongjin Kim, Taehyun Park; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2025;42(11):901-907.
Published online November 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.025.052

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The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) generates electrical energy through electrochemical reactions and is a key technology for sustainable energy. The electrolyte membrane significantly affects performance under varying conditions. This study examines the impact of membrane thickness and relative humidity (RH) on PEMFC performance using j-V curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Experiments were conducted with membrane thicknesses of 30, 15, and 5 μm under RH conditions of 100%-100% and 100%-0%. Under RH 100%-100%, performance improved as the membrane thickness decreased, with values of 954, 1050, and 1235 mW/cm² for the 30, 15, and 5 μm membranes, respectively. The 5 μm membrane demonstrated a 23% performance improvement over the 30 μm membrane. Under RH 100%-0%, performances were 422, 642, and 852 mW/cm², with degradation rates of 55.8%, 39.0%, and 32.1%. The 5 μm membrane exhibited the lowest degradation rate, indicating superior performance under low humidity. These results suggest that thinner membranes generally enhance performance and maintain efficiency even in dry conditions.

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Evaluation of Electrochemical Performance of PEMFCs with Decontamination Devices at Marine Environments: Ye rim Kwon, Ho Jun Yoo, Byung Gyu Kang, Ki Won Hong, Sun Ki Kwon, Sanghoon Lee, Gu Young Cho; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2025;42(1):57-63.
Published online January 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.024.109

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In this study, we developed and evaluated a simple device for removing ionic impurities that affect the performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in a marine environment. In such environments, PEMFCs may experience performance degradation due to the presence of Na+ and Cl- in the air. To address this issue, the decontamination device was designed with both heating and cooling components. This device was positioned between a humidifier containing NaCl solution and a humidifier containing deionized water, both connected on the cathode side. The decontamination device effectively removed impurities (Na+ and Cl-) during experiments. As a result, the electrochemical performance of the fuel cell with the decontamination device improved compared to that of the fuel cell without it. Notably, the activation resistance and electrochemical surface area were significantly enhanced, and the ohmic resistance also improved when compared to the fuel cell without the decontamination device.

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Effects of NaCl Solution on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell with Serpentine Flow Channel of Different Depths
Dong Kun Song, Ho Jun Yoo, Jung Soo Kim, Ki Won Hong, Do Young Jung, George Ilhwan Park, Gu Young Cho
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2025; 42(5): 399. CrossRef

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Micro-hole Array Ceria Functional Layer Embedded Membrane for Durable Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell: Changwook Seol, Segeun Jang, Sang Moon Kim; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2024;41(7):533-539.
Published online July 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.024.041

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For the commercialization of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), it is essential to achieve high performance while improving the durability of the membrane electrode assembly. In particular, the durability of PEMFCs can be improved by adding radical scavengers, such as CeO2 (ceria), to the membrane. Though it is desirable to insert the ceria at the interface between the membrane and electrode, where the generated radical attack initiates, this increases interfacial resistance and ionic resistance, thereby inducing a probable reduction in initial performance, compared to that of a conventional membrane. Here, we developed modified Nafion electrolyte membranes with a spatially located patterned ceria containing Nafion ionomer to improve durability while minimizing performance degradation. The fabrication process includes an etching process to pattern the electrolyte membrane, and the ceria nanoparticle layer is selectively deposited by spray coating onto the membrane. The synergetic effect of the structural modification of the electrolyte membranes and the introduction of the functional ceria layer exhibited improved chemical durability, while maintaining the initial performance of the PEMFC.

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Additional Ionomer-coated Layer for Self-humidifying Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells: Gyutae Park, Dongjin Kim, Junseo Youn, Junghyun Park, Hyoun-Myoung Oh, Taehyun Park; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2023;40(12):997-1001.
Published online December 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.023.097

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In this study, we aim to develop a self-humidifying polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) by depositing platinum (Pt) on a membrane using sputtering. After we coated it with a Nafion^® ionomer solution. This is considered a solution that can prevent membrane degradation in low humidity conditions. By introducing this self-humidifying concept, we can expect improved performance compared to conventional PEMFCs. By managing the water content of Nafion^®, we aim to improve both the stability and performance of the PEMFCs. This research contributes to the development of more efficient and reliable PEMFC systems, showing promise for advances in this field.

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A Study of Effects of the Repetition of Assembly and the Addition of Activation on Electrochemical Characteristics of PEMFCs: Ji Woong Jeon, Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Dong Kun Song, Ho Jun Yoo, Seung Hyeok Hong, Jung Soo Kim, Ye Rim Kwon, Da Hye Geum, Gu Young Cho; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2023;40(11):867-872.
Published online November 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.023.026

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In this study, the effects of repetition of assembly and disassembly of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells on electrochemical performance were systematically investigated. Additionally, the effects of additional activation on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells were evaluated. All fuel cells were measured every three days. For the disassembled polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, membrane electrode assemblies were stored in a vacuum desiccator. For the maintained assembly, fuel cells were stored at room temperature. The performance and electrochemical characteristics of the fuel cell were analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. As a result, the addition of activation to maintained assembly fuel cells showed the best performance among fuel cells with other assembly and activation conditions. Repetition of assembly and disassembly, as well as insufficient activation, caused degradation of the performance of fuel cells.

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A Study on Electrochemical Resistance Change through the Pressurization Process of MEA for PEMFC: Ye Rim Kwon, Dong Kun Song, Ho Jun Yoo, Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Jung Soo Kim, Ji Woong Jeon, Da hae Guem, Gu Young Cho; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2023;40(7):539-544.
Published online July 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.022.150

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In this study, the electrochemical characteristics of fuel cell were evaluated after applying a compressive load to the activation area of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The effects of the pressed area under the compressive load were systematically investigated using polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies (EIS) of the fuel cell. Interestingly, the performance of the fuel cell was improved as the pressed area of the MEA was increased from 25.2% to 100% of the active area. In addition, the increased pressed area led to a decrease in the ohmic resistance and the activation resistance of fuel cells.

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Analysis of Electrochemical Behavior of PEMFC Humidified with NaCl Solution Mist Using an Ultrasonic Vibrator: Ho Jun Yoo, Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Dong Kun Song, Heeyun Lee, Gu Young Cho; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(12):939-946.
Published online December 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.022.096

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Durability evaluations were conducted using polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells in a marine environment. Deionised water and 3.5 wt% of NaCl solution were supplied to the cathode using an ultrasonic vibrator. Performance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of fuel cells were measured to evaluate the electrochemical behaviors. Additionally, long-term stability evaluations of PEMFCs were carried out at 0.65 V for 20 h. Following the experiments, scanning electron microscope analysis was conducted to confirm the presence of NaCl on membrane electrode assembly and micro porous layer of fuel cells.

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Effects of NaCl Solution on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell with Serpentine Flow Channel of Different Depths
Dong Kun Song, Ho Jun Yoo, Jung Soo Kim, Ki Won Hong, Do Young Jung, George Ilhwan Park, Gu Young Cho
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2025; 42(5): 399. CrossRef
Evaluation of Electrochemical Performance of PEMFCs with Decontamination Devices at Marine Environments
Ye rim Kwon, Ho Jun Yoo, Byung Gyu Kang, Ki Won Hong, Sun Ki Kwon, Sanghoon Lee, Gu Young Cho
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2025; 42(1): 57. CrossRef
A Study of Effects of the Repetition of Assembly and the Addition of Activation on Electrochemical Characteristics of PEMFCs
Ji Woong Jeon, Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Dong Kun Song, Ho Jun Yoo, Seung Hyeok Hong, Jung Soo Kim, Ye Rim Kwon, Da Hye Geum, Gu Young Cho
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2023; 40(11): 867. CrossRef
A Study on Electrochemical Resistance Change through the Pressurization Process of MEA for PEMFC
Ye Rim Kwon, Dong Kun Song, Ho Jun Yoo, Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Jung Soo Kim, Ji Woong Jeon, Da hae Guem, Gu Young Cho
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2023; 40(7): 539. CrossRef

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Effects of NaCl Solution Humidification on Electrochemical Characteristics of PEMFCs: Ho Jun Yoo, Hye Gang Noh, Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Dong Kun Song, Gu Young Cho; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(6):451-456.
Published online June 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.022.030

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In this study, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) were humidified with NaCl solutions. NaCl solutions were provided to the cathode side of fuel cells by bubbling. De-Ionized water, 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, and 20 wt% NaCl solution were used to evaluate the effects of NaCl. Current density-voltage curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopies (EIS) of fuel cells were measured. Additionally, the constant-voltage mode long-term stability of PEMFCs humidified with NaCl solution were investigated. Constant-voltage measurements and EIS results imply that the degradation of fuel cells is clearly related with the concentration of NaCl solutions.

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Effects of NaCl Solution on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell with Serpentine Flow Channel of Different Depths
Dong Kun Song, Ho Jun Yoo, Jung Soo Kim, Ki Won Hong, Do Young Jung, George Ilhwan Park, Gu Young Cho
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2025; 42(5): 399. CrossRef
Analysis of Electrochemical Behavior of PEMFC Humidified with NaCl Solution Mist Using an Ultrasonic Vibrator
Ho Jun Yoo, Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Dong Kun Song, Heeyun Lee, Gu Young Cho
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2022; 39(12): 939. CrossRef

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Effects of Current Collecting Methods for Polymer Bipolar Plate of Ultra-Light Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells: Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Gu Young Cho; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(2):109-114.
Published online February 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.021.118

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In this study, polymer bipolar plates for ultra-light polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) were fabricated. Various methods for current collecting were applied to ensure electron conductivity of the polymer bipolar plates. Direct wire contact and Ag sputter process were applied. The Ag current collecting layer fabricated by the sputter process showed a well-covered and defectless surface. After preparations of bipolar plates, the effects of current collecting methods of bipolar plates on the electrochemical properties of PEMFCs were systematically investigated. The maximum power density of PEMFCs with the Ag current collecting of layered polymer bipolar plates decreased 37.39% because of increased ohmic resistance. However, the power/weight of PEMFCs with the Ag current collecting of layered polymer bipolar plates increased 27.23% because of the dramatically reduced weight (-50.63%) of bipolar plates compared to the graphite bipolar plates. We affirm that results in this report can provide meaningful insight for portable electrochemical energy devices.

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A Study on Electrochemical Resistance Change through the Pressurization Process of MEA for PEMFC
Ye Rim Kwon, Dong Kun Song, Ho Jun Yoo, Gye Eun Jang, Young Jo Lee, Jung Soo Kim, Ji Woong Jeon, Da hae Guem, Gu Young Cho
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2023; 40(7): 539. CrossRef

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Estimation of the Capacity of Hydrogen-Based Energy Storage Systems toward Relieving the Imbalance of Electrical Load Pattern of South Korea: Jaeyeon Kim, Hyeok Kim, Geon Hwi Kim, Dasol Kim, Hansol Ryu, Taehyun Park; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2020;37(7):547-554.
Published online July 1, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.020.029

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This study reports on the feasibility of applying polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) system to an energy storage system (ESS). We modeled each constituting system to compute the overall efficiency of the ESS. As a result, it was verified that the power plants’ electric powering capability can be curtailed. The amount of reduction is equal to that of 2nd Gori Nuclear Power Plant currently under construction. We calculated that approximately 320.85 L/day · MW of hydrogen is produced on a national scale. Also, Seoul’s demand output power of PEMFC and the requisite area of sites to install the PEMFC system are approximately 236 MW and 59059 m² respectively. This study can contribute to preventing the upsurge of the entire electric powering installed capability. Based on the present technology level, this study diagnoses the use of hydrogen-based ESS which will be introduced in the upcoming hydrogen economy period. Considering the water electrolysis by polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers are currently at the beginning of commercialization and the energy density per mass of hydrogen is exceedingly high, we anticipate that the future of hydrogen base ESS’ effectiveness will reach greater levels than the analysis of this study.

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Economic dispatch of microgrid generation-load-storage based on dynamic bi-level game of multiple stakeholders
Mao Yang, Jinxin Wang, Xudong Cao, Dake Gu
Energy.2024; 313: 133931. CrossRef
Efficiency improvement of a fuel cell cogeneration plant linked with district heating: Construction of a water condensation latent heat recovery system and analysis of real operational data
Li Yuan-Hu, Jinyoung Kim, Sangrae Lee, Gunhwi Kim, Haksoo Han
Applied Thermal Engineering.2022; 201: 117754. CrossRef