H2O2 Formation under Fuel-Cell Conditions

Abstract

Using a multilayer MEA, H2O2 concentrations in Nafion® membranes were quantitatively measured by a spectrophotometric method. The effects of relative humidity and oxygen partial pressure on H2O2 concentration are discussed. H2O2 formation was found to be dependent on membrane thickness. H2O2 emission rates were measured in anode and cathode only MEAs to separately study H2O2 formation at each electrode. Based on the experimental results, H2O2 formation, diffusion and decomposition model under fuel-cell conditions is first proposed in this paper.