Reversible and irreversible degradation processes in low temperature fuel cells

Kurzfassung

The electrochemical performance of low temperature fuel cells degrades during operation. This degradation can be separated into reversible (recoverable after shut downs) and irreversible parts. The com¬bination of electro¬chemical investigations of the electrodes and electrode-membrane-assemblies during the fuel cell operation with interface characterization by physical methods facilitates the identification of the important degradation processes. The different processes are associated with reversible or irreversible performance degradation.