Low temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell performance degradation

摘要: The goal of this research was to quantify the degradation experienced by a polymer electrolyte fuel cell after storage at subzero temperatures ranging from 0 -40 ° C. performance loss determined comparing polarization and other applicable power curves before cycle. It found that there are two distinct types membrane. first type identified as variance actual voltage-current relationship cell. This mode only pertained initial freeze/thaw cycle not observed any number subsequent cycles. second during cycles, mainly affected high regions operating range. A 5% reduction in current density output result further Mass transport limitations may have been caused destruction meso-porous gas diffusion micro-porous layers. pore size, volume, membrane surface area were quantified using an Autosorb physisorption tool. results showed diameter catalyst proton exchange layer did increase significantly. However, volume increased factor ten confirmed measurements