Electrocatalytic Corrosion of Carbon Support in PEMFC at Fuel Starvation

Abstract

PEMFC degradation effects under critical operating conditions like low fuel stoichiometry or cell reversal can be detected at both electrodes. The cell was characterized with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to show changes of the conductivities and cyclic voltammetry to measure the reduction of the active platinum surface areas. The analyzing of the electrode corrosion at fuel starvation with online gas analysis shows small amounts of carbon dioxide at both gas outlets and carbon monoxide at the anode side. To analyze the carbon corrosion effects at the cathode side, potential effects were investigated and current distribution measurements were realized.