Behaviors of proton exchange membrane fuel cells under oxidant starvation

Dou, Meiling; Hou, Ming; Liang, Dong; Shen, Qiang; Zhang, Huabing; Lu, Wenxian; Shao, Zhigang; Yi, Baolian

doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2010.11.005

Cited by 71 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…In addition to measuring or mathematically predicting the high cathode potential experienced during the startup and shutdown processes, researchers have also conducted other related tests, such as measuring the current distribution in segmented cells [60][61][62], monitoring the concentration of CO or CO 2 during startup and shutdown [59,63], evaluating the effect of cell design (flow field structure and GDL thickness) on start-stop phenomena [64,65], and conducting modeling studies [58,[66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73] on water management and carbon-corrosion during startup and shutdown. All the test results have confirmed performance degradation during the startup and shutdown processes of PEMFCs.…”

Section: Reverse Currentmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review on performance degradation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells during startup and shutdown processes: Causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies

Wang

et al. 2012

Journal of Power Sources

261

150

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a b s t r a c tPerformance degradation during startup and shutdown is considered an important issue affecting the durability and lifetime of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Due to the high potentials experienced by the cathode during startup and shutdown, the conventional carbon support for the cathode catalyst is prone to oxidation by reacting with oxygen or water. This paper presents an overview of the causes and consequences of performance degradation after frequent startup-shutdown cycles. Mitigation strategies are also summarized, including the use of novel catalyst supports and the application of system strategies to prevent performance degradation in PEMFCs. It is found from the literature review that improvements in catalyst supports to prevent oxidation come at the expense of high cost, and the novel supports developed to date are not sufficient to completely prevent carbon oxidation in fuel cell engines. System strategies, including potential control and reaction gas control, have been developed and applied in fuel cell engines to alleviate or even avoid performance decay. This review aims to provide a clear understanding of the mechanisms related to degradation behaviors during the startup and shutdown processes, thereby helping fuel cell material or system developers in their efforts to prevent performance degradation and prolong the lifetime of PEMFCs.Crown

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Section: Reverse Currentmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review on performance degradation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells during startup and shutdown processes: Causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies

Wang

et al. 2012

Journal of Power Sources

261

150

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Cell reversal occurred when the anode potential increased and became more positive than the cathode potential. The anode potential quickly increased to near 1.5 V. This result indicates that the anode potential increased until water electrolysis occurs as soon as the experiment started since the anode was starved of fuel [9]. Fig.…”

Section: By Tem Edx and Xpsmentioning

confidence: 72%

“…Due to the carbon corrosion in cell reversal, polarity curve, gas chromatography (GC) and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) can be the main in situ measurements to analyze the extent of carbon corrosion, the exhaust gas compositions, and the anode or cathode outlet contents [9][10][11]. These techniques can realize online detection of carbon dioxide generated by carbon corrosion.…”

Section: Article In Pressmentioning

confidence: 99%

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Reversal: A Review

et al. 2016

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Abstract:The H 2 /air-fed proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has two major problems: cost and durability, which obstruct its pathway to commercialization. Cell reversal, which would create irreversible damage to the fuel cell and shorten its lifespan, is caused by reactant starvation, load change, low catalyst performance, and so on. This paper will summarize the causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies of cell reversal of PEMFC in detail. A description of potential change in the anode and cathode and the differences between local starvation and overall starvation are reviewed, which gives a framework for comprehending the origins of cell reversal. According to the root factor of cell starvation, i.e., fuel cells do not satisfy the requirements of electrons and protons of normal anode and cathode chemical reactions, we will introduce specific methods to mitigate or prevent fuel cell damage caused by cell reversal in the view of system management strategies and component material modifications. Based on a comprehensive understanding of cell reversal, it is beneficial to operate a fuel cell stack and extend its lifetime.

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“…Shao and Yi studied the effect of oxidant starvation on fuel cell performance [35]. They have reported a non-uniform current distribution due to reduced oxygen and the presence of localized hot spots [35].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%