Evaluation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under different operation conditions and corrosion

Abstract

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed for in situ diagnosis for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells during operation. First, EIS was measured as a function of operation parameters such as applied current density, gas flow rates and gas humidification temperature. The resistance that correlated with conductivity of the membrane and the contact resistance between bipolar plate and gas A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 2 diffusion layer (GDL) was set as R m in the assumed equivalent circuit. The charge transfer resistances were considered for cathode (R ct (C)). The value of R ct (C) was sensitive to the parameters that affected cell voltage. Additionally, the diffusion resistance (R d ) was ascribed to the effect of oxygen supply and drainage of generated water. Second, the influence of corrosion of type 430 stainless steel bipolar plates was evaluated by EIS method during operation. Corrosion of the stainless steel bipolar plates resulted in an increase in the value of R d .

Performance of a PEM Fuel Cell Using Electroplated Ni–Mo and Ni–Mo–P Stainless Steel Bipolar Plates

“…Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a useful method for evaluating the cell performance and durability of BPPs. With EIS it is possible to distinguish between degradation of membrane, ionomer and catalyst, in line with the study of Kumagai et al 92 that used EIS to study the effect of operation variables including applied current density, gas flow rates and gas humidification temperature on cell performance.…”

A New Design of PEMFC Bipolar Plate for Corrosion Study

“…Poor cell performance was found when type 430 stainless steel was adopted as a channel former due to severe corrosion. Generally, type 430 stainless steel is not regarded as possible material for PEMFC bipolar plate [5]. Actually, type 430 stainless steel should not be used in contact with MEA.…”