Analysis of HT-PEM MEAs’ Long-Term Stabilities

Abstract

Despite the great advantages of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cells over the low-temperature (LT) PEM alternative, such as enhanced reaction kinetics and higher tolerance against impurities like CO due to the higher operation temperature, the achievement of high lifetimes still remains a challenge. In order to improve the durability of the fuel cell, extensive research has been carried out on alternatives for the individual components. For this reason, this paper conducted extended long-term tests with three three membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) from one manufacturer under different operational scenarios. The MEAs differed mainly by the membranes used and showed significantly different behaviors. While the first MEA reached the end of life already after 2600 h, the second one could pass 9800 h almost without any problems. The third MEA proved resistant to adverse conditions. For all three MEAs, extensive electrochemical characterizations and μ-CT examinations for the analysis of long-term stability are shown.

Tailoring the separation performance of ZIF-based mixed matrix membranes by MOF-matrix interfacial compatibilization

“…2). This specific polybenzimidazole was selected as it is a relatively easy processable polybenzimidazole (by means of solubility) due to the rotatable/flexible biphenylether moiety [30]. Additionally, since Kumbharkar et structural modification resulted in enhanced permeabilities (up to two orders of magnitude) [23,31], it is expected that incorporating oPBI in Matrimid matrices will have a minimal impact on the separation per formance, relative to the pure Matrimid membrane.…”

Understanding Degradation Phenomena in HT-PEM Fuel Cells Using Micro-Computed Tomography

“…An obvious thinning of the membrane by around 15 µm after operation with trace amounts of ammonia in the air stream is observed. It is worth mentioning that also cell operation without contaminants causes a quantifiable membrane thinning as it is known from literature (26,27).…”

Overcoming the Electrode Challenges of High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

“…These breakthroughs not only open new avenues to operate PEMFCs from lower temperatures but also blur the line between LT-and HT-PEMFCs [98,344]. Finally, to fully elucidate the HT-PEM performance and durability, long-term stability tests, along with accelerated stress tests, need to be extensively carried out [345]. Efforts to accurately monitor the changes in membrane properties during and after operation should be pursued by, for instance, continuously monitoring the acid leaching rate and membrane thickness loss [346][347][348].…”