Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Lifetime Limitations: The Role of Electrocatalyst Degradation

Myers, Debbie; Wang, Xiaoping; Kariuki, Nancy N.; DeCrane, Stacy; Nowicki, Tammy; Arisetty, Srikanth; Subbaraman, Ram; Ahluwalia, R.K.; Gilbert, James A.; Puchala, Brian; Holby, Edward F.; Morgan, Dane; Ball, Sarah C.; Sharman, Jonathan; Theobald, Brian; Hards, Graham; Gummalla, Mallika; Yang, Zhiwei; Zhitnik, Steve; Groom, Daniel J.; Rajasekhara, Shreyas; Ferreira, Paulo J.; Meyers, James F.; Mathew, Preethi; Kim, Seok Koo; Shao‐Horn, Yang; Sheng, Wenchao; Han, Bo

doi:10.1149/ma2012-02/13/1276

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…11. And the remaining PSDs at the middle of the cathode electrode are compared with TEM measurement 58 as shown in Fig. 12.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A One-Dimensional Pt Degradation Model for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Moriyama

et al. 2015

J. Electrochem. Soc.

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A one-dimensional model is developed and validated to study platinum degradation and the subsequent electrochemical surface area (ECA) loss in the cathode catalyst layer (CL) of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The model includes two mechanisms of Pt degradation: Ostwald ripening on carbon support and Pt dissolution-re-precipitation through the ionomer phase. Impact of H 2 | N 2 or H 2 | Air operation, operating temperature, and relative humidity (RH) on Pt degradation during voltage cycling is explored. It is shown that ECA loss is non-uniform across the cathode CL with a zone of exacerbated Pt degradation and hence much lower ECA found near the membrane. This non-uniform Pt degradation is caused by consumption of Pt ions by crossover H 2 in both H 2 | N 2 and H 2 | Air systems. An important consequence is that thinning the cathode electrode in a fuel cell would lead to more ECA loss as a higher fraction of the thin CL would fall in this exacerbated degradation zone. We have quantified the effect of thin cathode CLs on Pt degradation for the first time.

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“…11. And the remaining PSDs at the middle of the cathode electrode are compared with TEM measurement 58 as shown in Fig. 12.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A One-Dimensional Pt Degradation Model for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Moriyama

et al. 2015

J. Electrochem. Soc.

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“…22 The rate of platinum dissolution is increased for smaller particles due to the effects of curvature and surface energy, especially for diameters below 5 nm. [23][24][25] To better understand the dissolution of platinum under dynamic conditions, we must understand the kinetics of oxide growth on platinum nanoparticles.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elucidating the oxide growth mechanism on platinum at the cathode in PEM fuel cells

Redmond

Setzler

Alamgir

et al. 2014

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.

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Simulations of platinum oxidation in literature have yet to fully replicate an experimental cyclic voltammogram. In this manuscript a mechanism for platinum oxidation is proposed based upon the results of in operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy, where it was found that PtO2 is present at longer hold times. A new method to quantify extended X-ray absorption fine structure data is presented, and the extent of oxidation is directly compared to electrochemical data. This comparison indicated that PtO2 was formed at the expense of an initial oxide species. From previous literature studies it can be concluded that the rate of platinum oxidation is not a function of only potential and coverage. To that end, the concept of a heterogeneous oxide layer was introduced into the model, whereby place-exchanged PtO2 structures of varying energy states are formed through a single transition state. This treatment allowed, for the first time, the simulation of the correct current-potential behavior at varying scan rates and upper potential limits.

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“…Single-crystal studies of alloys with a Pt skin have shown that a Pt 3 Ni (111) surface in acid is capable of 90 times the area-specific activity of a nanodispersed Pt catalyst, illustrating both the Pt skin ligand effect and the difference in activity between nanoparticles and an extended surface . DFT has also been improved to better estimate the effect of metal segregation in the alloys and has been used to predict high-activity alternative alloys with the early transition metals scandium and yttrium, which have also shown high activity in half cells , but not yet in practical fuel cells …”

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confidence: 99%

Physical Chemistry Research Toward Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Advancement

Swider‐Lyons

Campbell

2013

J. Phys. Chem. Lett.

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Hydrogen fuel cells, the most common type of which are proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), are on a rapid path to commercialization. We credit physical chemistry research in oxygen reduction electrocatalysis and theory with significant breakthroughs, enabling more cost-effective fuel cells. However, most of the physical chemistry has been restricted to studies of platinum and related alloys. More work is needed to better understand electrocatalysts generally in terms of properties and characterization. While the advent of such highly active catalysts will enable smaller, less expensive, and more powerful stacks, they will require better understanding and a complete restructuring of the diffusion media in PEMFCs to facilitate faster transport of the reactants (O2) and products (H2O). Even Ohmic losses between materials become more important at high power. Such lessons from PEMFC research are relevant to other electrochemical conversion systems, including Li-air batteries and flow batteries.

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Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Lifetime Limitations: The Role of Electrocatalyst Degradation

Abstract: not Available.

Cited by 3 publications

References 1 publication

A One-Dimensional Pt Degradation Model for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

A One-Dimensional Pt Degradation Model for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Elucidating the oxide growth mechanism on platinum at the cathode in PEM fuel cells

Physical Chemistry Research Toward Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Advancement

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