Spatially Resolved Electrode Diagnostic Technique for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

A non-destructive, diagnostic technique for evaluating the extent of degradation in electrodes on membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) has been developed that can be applied to parts from application-scale proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The modes of electrode degradation that are examined include: catalyst activity loss, catalyst area loss, and electrode support structure damage through carbon corrosion. The technique incorporates a current distribution tool to enable spatially resolved analysis at a length scale of approximately 1 cm. The MEA parts are evaluated through a combination of cyclic voltammetry and polarization curves performed at conditions designed to expose degradation in one of the modes described above.