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The chemical degradation of styrene based radiation grafted membranes has been investigated by testing the MEAs at 50% RH for 110 h and different current densities. Post-test analysis using FTIR spectroscopy was performed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze membrane degradation. The results show that higher water content in the MEA leads to a higher degradation rate of styrene based radiation grafted membranes. A range of working hypotheses is discussed from the point of view of both formation rate of reactive intermediates and chain degradation mechanism of ionomers. The strong relative humidity dependency of membrane conductivity causes the poor performance in the fuel cell when the membrane is dry. Imbalanced humidification of reactant gases (e.g. 50% at cathode and 100% at anode) can decrease chemical degradation of styrene based radiation grafted membranes, meanwhile maintaining a fuel cell performance comparable to that under fully humidified conditions.

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