FUEL-CELL CATALYST INK ADDITIVES TO INHIBIT IONOMER PERMEATION

Systems, methods, fuel cells, and mixtures to inhibit ionomer permeation into porous substrates using a crosslinked ionomer are described. A method includes preparing an ionomer premix, mixing a crosslinking additive with the ionomer premix to thereby form a crosslinked-ionomer solution, and adding catalyst particles to the crosslinked-ionomer solution to produce a catalyst ink. The ionomer premix includes an ionomer dispersed within a solvent. The catalyst ink includes the catalyst particles distributed homogenously therethrough. The catalyst ink may be cast onto a porous substrate and dried to thereby form a catalyst layer for use in a fuel cell.