PEMFC membrane electrode assembly degradation study based on its mechanical properties

Abstract

Abstract The membrane electrode assembly determines the performance of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. Degradation of the membrane electrode assembly has been the subject of recent research with impedance measurements, cyclic voltammetry measurements, scanning electron microscopy, tunneling electron microscopy as the techniques currently in use for characterization. This paper considers the membrane electrode assembly as a laminate and uses the study of mechanical properties as a tool for identification of delamination. An attempt has also been made to compare the changes in the mechanical properties obtained due to delamination with the results obtained from impedance measurement, cyclic voltammetry studies and performance in the fuel cell. In this study mechanical properties such as stress, strain and modulus have been measured and the decrease in modulus as a result of delamination has been characterized. It has been found that study of the mechanical properties of the membrane electrode assembly compliments the other techniques and can be used in the post-mortem analysis of causes for degradation.