Performance and degradation of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: State of the art in modeling from atomistic to system scale

Abstract

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) are energy efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional energy conversion systems in many yet emerging applications. In order to enable prediction of their performance and durability, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant operation phenomena, e.g., electrochemistry, transport phenomena, thermodynamics as well as the mechanisms leading to the degradation of cell components. Achieving the goal of providing predictive tools to model PEMFC performance, durability and degradation is a challenging task requiring the development of detailed and realistic models reaching from the atomic/molecular scale over the meso scale of structures and materials up to components, stack and system level. In addition an appropriate way of coupling the different scales is required. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in modeling of PEMFC, covering all relevant scales from atomistic up to system level as well as the coupling between these scales. Furthermore, it focuses on the modeling of PEMFC degradation mechanisms and on the coupling between performance and degradation models.

Platinum Particles Electrochemically Deposited on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Acid Media

“…Finally, the MWCNTs were dried in vacuum for 15 h. The MWCNT dispersion was then put into the ultrasonic bath for 30 min to get a homogenous suspension. Glassy carbon (GC) electrodes of surface area of 0.126 cm 2 were cut from GC rods, fixed in Teflon holders and were polished on 1.0 and 0.3 μm alumina slurries (Buehler) to get a smooth shiny surface. After polishing the electrodes were sonicated in Milli-Q water and 2-propanol for 3 min in each.…”

“…Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is identified as one of the most promising environmentally friendly sustainable energy conversion devices that efficiently convert fuel energy into electricity through electrochemical processes. [1][2][3] In comparison to the conventional internal combustion engine, low-temperature fuel cells are preferred for energy conversion in vehicles because of its green operating system, high efficiency and renewable energy resources.4,5 One of the most critical challenges for commercializing fuel cells is the development of more efficient, highly active and durable electrocatalysts to improve the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). To date, Pt-based cathode catalysts have shown significantly high electrocatalytic activity toward the ORR as compared to other metals, alloys, core-shell structures, mixed metal oxides and nonnoble metal catalysts.…”

“…[1][2][3] In comparison to the conventional internal combustion engine, low-temperature fuel cells are preferred for energy conversion in vehicles because of its green operating system, high efficiency and renewable energy resources. 4,5 One of the most critical challenges for commercializing fuel cells is the development of more efficient, highly active and durable electrocatalysts to improve the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).…”

Casting of Acrylamide/Poly (vinyl alcohol) Reinforced by Carbon Nano-Wire for Using into Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

“…The polymer membrane degradation is likely to be the one mostly responsible for the failure of the PEMFC [51]. Mechanical and thermal membrane degradations could be mentioned [52], however they have a little effects on the fuel cell performances evolution during operation, except at the very end of the cell lifetime when its permeation current increases dramatically. It is a very sudden phenomenon which could be correlated also with the MEA initial fabrication defects and the bipolar plate mechanical constraints.…”

Local Impact of Pt Nanodeposits on Ionomer Decomposition in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes

“…The problem is aggravated by the excessive thermal and humidity cycling as seen in accelerated degradation tests [6]. Chemical degradation of PEM causes a decrease of the ionomer molecular weight, a loss of ion exchange capacity, and membrane thinning [7].…”