Copyright @ 2009 Journal of New Materials for Electrochemical Systems All rights reserved.
Materials Ageing Mechanisms and Performance Impact in PEM Fuel Cells
Pages: 119-122
C. M. Rangel*, R. A Silva, and T. I. Paiva
Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia- LNEG/ Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Research, DMTP/UEQM, Paço do Lumiar, 22 1649-039 Lisboa, Portugal
Received: April 2, 2009, Accepted: June 6, 2009
Abstract:
In this work, in-situ and ex-situ evaluation of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) degradation in polymer exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, were conducted during and after fuel cell ageing in extreme testing conditions. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was found instrumental in the identification of flooding conditions. Cross sections of the membrane catalyst layers and GDL's were examined under a FEG-SEM indicating that cathode thickness is considerably reduced as a result of ageing. Catalyst particles were found to migrate outwards and located on carbon backings. Fluoride release was considered as an early predictor of membrane degradation, quantified using an ion selective at gases outlet. MEA degradation mechanisms are discussed together with contributions that might aid design and operating strategies in PEM fuel cells.
Keywords:
Fuel cells, ageing mechanisms, MEA life, fluoride leaching
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