Mitigation of PFSA membrane chemical degradation using composite cerium oxide–PFSA nanofibres

摘要: A PFSA nanofibre-network enriched with cerium oxide nanoparticles (NFCeOx) has been developed as a trap for highly reactive oxygen species that are produced in an operating fuel cell and lead to membrane degradation failure. This new mitigation strategy allows the location of CeOx at electrode interface. The composite nanofibre web was deposited by electrospinning dispersed Nafion® nanoparticles, using polyethylene carrier polymer. Asymmetric membranes were prepared bonding one side membrane. In accelerated stress testing OCV hold testing, assembly modified surface oriented anode gave very stable open circuit voltage lifetime close 1000 hours, while end life occurred 100 hours unmodified 212. results characterisation X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy scanning electron microscopy end-of-life MEAs analysis effluents used explain processes occurring within membranes.