Impact of load cycling on PEMFC degradation

Kurzfassung

Durability of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) operation is one of the main challenges in fuel cell industry and particularly in automotive applications. Current profiles applied to PEMFCs influence the degradation mechanisms presented during performance. Durability tests of approximately 450 h were performed under three different cycling ranges allowing an interpretation about reversibility and irreversibility of voltage losses. In-situ current density distribution, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and ionic conductivity tests measurements give essential data for understanding internal behavior of cell components. Cycling perturbation tests have proven to be less exhausting for cell performance, relatively to constant operation. Operating under high potential values induces higher degradation, even worse if open circuit voltage is included, with Pt migration to the membrane.