Effects of Humidification with NaCl Solution Mist on Electrochemical Characteristics of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract

This study examined the effects of mist generated from NaCl solution on the electrochemical properties of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Mist-containing Na+ and Cl- ions were generated using a custom-made mist generator. The current density-voltage-power density curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of fuel cells were systematically achieved. Furthermore, long-term stability experiments were carried out using chronoamperometry mode for 20 h with deionized water and NaCl solution. After the chronoamperometry measurement, the regeneration of fuel cells was performed with deionized water. The effects of regeneration methods on the performance of the fuel cell were evaluated. Due to the internally produced H2O, constant voltage regeneration was more effective than open circuit voltage regeneration.