No abstract

No abstract

In this paper reactions having strong influence on the lifetime of PEMFCs are described. These lifetime limiting reactions are related to the catalyst (increase of the particle size, catalyst dissolution, oxidation of the carbon catalyst support, catalyst deactivation by contaminants), to the membrane (degradation, loss of membrane humidification, increase of membrane resistance), and corrosion of structural components (e.g. metallic bipolar plates). Examples for such reactions are shown and rate determinining parameter are discussed.

To support the market introduction of fuel cells and hydrogen for energetic use in Germany, the National Innovation Programme Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology was set up in 2006. The German Federal Government together with representatives from research organisations as well as from various industry sectors were involved in designing the programme. Combined funds from the public and private sectors amount to Euro 1.4 billion and cover the period 2007–2016. About one‐third of this total is to fund R&D and two‐third to finance demonstration and market preparation projects. The National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology manages the implementation in close collaboration with its partner organisation Project Management Organization Jülich, and in continuous consultation with the key stakeholders. This article spells out the main characteristics of the Innovation Programme and the organisations involved.

The anodic deposition of Pb8Tl5O24 is compared with that one of Tl2O3 and α-PbO2. Scanning electron microscopic pictures of the oxide surfaces show obvious differences. This should be the reason for different oxygen overpotentials measured at these anodes. Comparative cyclic voltammograms show, that the redox behaviour of Pb8Tl5O24 in sulfuric acid is essentially determined by the lead ions. Because of the high corrosion rate Pb8Tl5O24 is not suitable as anode material for electrolysis in sulfuric acid