Title

Comparison of Proton Exchange Membranes Degradation Rates between Accelerated and Performance Tests

Authors

Authors

M. P. Rodgers; R. P. Brooker; N. Mohajeri; L. J. Bonville; H. R. Kunz; D. K. Slattery;J. M. Fenton

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

J. Electrochem. Soc.

Keywords

PEM FUEL-CELL; POLYMER-ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANES; PLATINUM DISSOLUTION; HUMIDITY CONDITIONS; LAYER DEGRADATION; CATHODE CATALYST; GAS-CROSSOVER; DURABILITY; OPERATION; NANOPARTICLES; Electrochemistry; Materials Science, Coatings & Films

Abstract

To establish a universal procedure to determine and predict the durability of components of PEM fuel cells in practical applications, it is desirable to assess the extent to which accelerated stress tests amplify cell degradation compared to lifetime tests. Experimental data from performance evaluation tests and open circuit voltage accelerated stress tests were compared to verify the ability for this type of accelerated test to provide a true measure of cell life. The performance evaluation tests involved 184 h total operation, including performance tests at 80 to 120 degrees C and 35 to 100% RH as well as a stability test for 64 hours at 95 degrees C/83% RH, 400 mA/cm(2) and 0.5 atm backpressure. The OCV ASTs involve operation at 90 degrees C/30% RH and OCV for 100 h. Diagnostic tests conducted on the cells included hydrogen crossover, fluoride emission, catalyst electrochemical surface area, post-test membrane SEM and TEM evaluation, and defect identification in membranes. In general, the ASTs resulted in accelerated decay modes. The relationship between the deterioration during the performance tests and the ASTs was found to be a function of the Pt/C and PtCo/C electrode catalysts and different electrode ionomer types (1100 EW Nafion and 825 EW 3M) used. (C) 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.040207jes] All rights reserved.

Journal Title

Journal of the Electrochemical Society

Volume

159

Issue/Number

7

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

F338

Last Page

F352

WOS Identifier

WOS:000308557200073

ISSN

0013-4651

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