Review on Mechanisms and Recovery Procedures for Reversible Performance Losses in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

The recovery of performance losses in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells due to reversible degradation phenomena is an important topic to enable high system efficiency, reliable performance benchmarking and specific material improvement for a given application. Detailed knowledge of both, the sources for reversible performance loss and corresponding recovery mechanisms, are required to achieve cost and durability targets for fuel cell commercialization. This review paper provides a detailed overview of the mechanisms responsible for reversible performance losses. Moreover, it presents general requirements for the recovery of these losses and summarizes specific recovery procedures available in the literature. Eventually, it provides recommendations how to recover the performance loss caused by a certain reversible degradation mechanism. The study is aiming to present general recommendations for suitable recovery strategies and procedures for reliable testing in laboratories and for improved efficiency of operating systems.