Optimization of the PEMFC operating parameters for cathode in the presence of PtCo/CVD graphene using factorial design

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown graphene-supported PtCo catalyst was developed as a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathode. The effects of cell temperature, back pressure, relative humidity, anode, and cathode flow rates on the fuel cell performance were investigated utilizing Design Expert software for statistical analysis. Cell temperature, back pressure, and relative humidity were shown to be the most critical factors to improve fuel cell performance in the presence of PtCo on CVD grown graphene. The maximum current density of 1779.5 mAcm^-2 and power density of 785.38 mWcm^-2 are obtained at cell temperature of 79.99°C, back pressure of 4.99 psi, relative humidity of 50%, anode flow rate of 0.156 dm3min-1, and cathode flow rate of 0.199 dm³min^-1.