Abstract
Enhancement of system durability at the sub-freezing temperature is one of critical issues for the commercialization of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) applications. In this work, effects of residual water at the sub-freeze condition on the gas diffusion layer (GDL)/membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) were investigated for the successful cold start-up of PEFC. The performance changes of MEAs were observed by 300 times of freeze/thaw (F/T) cycles with well designed single cell. The post analysis for the (−30 to 70) °C F/T cycled MEA were conducted. The gradual decreases of I–V performance were observed after the F/T cycle number of 70. About 0.4 mV/cycle of degradation at 1 A/cm 2 could be obtained at the controlled operating conditions. The main cause of performance decrease was in the weakened adhesion between the electrodes and membrane interface. The SEM images as well as cell resistance changes directly supported the degradation reasons of cell performance in the freeze condition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
