PEMFC Reconfigured Anodes for Enhancing CO Tolerance with Air Bleed

Abstract

Practical PEM fuel cells based on perfluorinated ionomer membranes (eg Nafion), most probably will use reformed fuel as primary source for the anode feed. The reformate, besides hydrogen, may contain trace amounts of carbon monoxide (CO. from a few to hundreds ppm), whose presence is detrimental to the cell performance. Energy conversion at fuel cells depends on highly dispersed carbon-supported Pt, where the hydrogen electro-oxidatisn takes place. However, CO strongly adsorbs on the Pt surface leading to a decreasing of the Pt active Surface area and consequently to losses in electrical current that are unacceptable for a practical device.