The review of the degradation mechanism of the catalyst layer of membrane electrode assembly in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Issue 5 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Ke; Zhao, Xueying; Hu, Xiao; Guo, Zhiyuan; Ye, Qing; Li, Lu; Song, Jie; Song, Pengxiang
• Is Part Of: IOP conference series. Volume 558:Issue 5(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell -- Membrane Electrode Assembly -- Catalyst Layer -- Degradation Mechanism -- Mitigation Strategy; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Congresses; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; 550.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/558/5/052041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-1307

Abstract

Abstract: With the rapid depletion of fossil reserves, unstable prices of fossil commodities and the negative effect of fossil fuel on the environment, the demand for clean energy power generation increases. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are a prominent technology for power generation in a variety of applications such as fuel cell vehicles, portable power supplies, stationary power stations and submarines. With their high power density, low emission, low operating temperature, high efficiency, noiseless operation and simplicity of design and operation, PEM fuel cells have a number of attractive advantages over traditional power sources. In this paper, the degradation mechanism of the catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly and the core component of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell are summarized. Besides, the degradation mechanism of the Pt-based catalyst, carbon support and Nafion ionomer are obtained. Considering the agglomeration and growth of Pt catalyst, Pt loss and migration, active site pollution and other micro processes, the degradation of catalyst is analyzed in depth. Furthermore, the carbon corrosion process is studied under the normal operation, fuel starvation of the anode and partial hydrogen coverage of the anode processes. In addition, the chemical degradation of Nafion ionomer and the effect of the length of the side chain to the electrode structure are discussed. Eventually, the improved strategies for the failure of the catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly are proposed, in the hope to provide useful guidance for the development of long-life proton exchange membrane fuel cells in commercialization.