Effect of catalyst properties on membrane degradation rate and the underlying degradation mechanism in PEMFCs

    Authors

    V. O. Mittal; H. R. Kunz;J. M. Fenton

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Electrochem. Soc.

    Keywords

    FUEL-CELLS; PLATINUM DISSOLUTION; POLYMER MEMBRANES; OXYGEN REDUCTION; MODEL; Electrochemistry; Materials Science, Coatings & Films

    Abstract

    Nafion membrane degradation was studied in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) under accelerated decay conditions. Fluoride emission rate (FER) determined by fuel cell effluent water analysis was used to quantify the membrane degradation. Membrane degradation is most likely caused either directly or indirectly by the species formed as a result of the H-2 and O-2 reaction on the catalyst. To further understand the mechanism, the effects of the catalyst location, type, its interaction with O-2 and H2O, and cell current density on the FER were investigated and their implications on the underlying membrane degradation mechanism are discussed.

    Journal Title

    Journal of the Electrochemical Society

    Volume

    153

    Issue/Number

    9

    Publication Date

    1-1-2006

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    A1755

    Last Page

    A1759

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000239250600018

    ISSN

    0013-4651

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