Aspects of PEMFC Degradation

Abstract

Two important aspects for understanding membrane degradation in PEM fuel cells are Pt dissolution, migration and precipitation from the electrodes into the membrane and chemical attack of the membrane by hydroxyl radicals. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect and quantify the distribution of Pt particles in Nafion membrane after accelerated cyclic testing. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that hydroxyl radicals that chemically degrade the membrane can be directly generated at low and high potentials as opposed to indirectly generated through peroxide intermediate.