Multiscale Study of PEMFC in Marine Environment: Impact of a NaCl Spray on Durability

Abstract

The present work investigates the effects of a salt spray injected into the airflow of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) at various time scales and contamination levels, with the final aim of identifying the appropriate protection for maritime applications. A dedicated experimental setup generates a sodium chloride (NaCl) mist in the cathode airflow to contaminate single cells and stacks. Constant current density tests led to lifetime shortening with partial recovery after cathode rinsing. Then, Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) post-mortem characterizations revealed that NaCl was present in the cathode gas diffusion layer, and chlorine reached the catalyst layer for high concentrations. Furthermore, chlorides enhanced current collectors and bipolar plates degradation as corrosion products were identified in MEAs and stack effluents. Overall, this study reports that NaCl effects on PEMFCs not only depend on the concentration but also on the MEA type, plate material, and startup/shutdown procedure.