Abstract
The performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) can degrade when exposed to glycol-based coolants through leaks in seals or cracks in carbon bipolar plates. We study the poisoning of Pt/Carbon electrocatalysts by a glycol (1, 3 propanediol)-based coolant containing an ethoxylated nonylphenol surfactant, and azole- or polyol-based non-ionic corrosion inhibitors both by rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry and in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in a fuel cell. There is good agreement between RDE and MEA experiments. The RDE results show that the azole corrosion inhibitor irreversibly deactivates the Pt/Vulcan carbon electrocatalyst, while exposure to all of the other coolant components is reversible. The MEA measurements also show a permanent 30% loss in mass activity after exposure to the azole-containing coolants, and provide the additional insight that repeated coolant exposure causes Pt surface area loss, and thereby permanent performance degradation.
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.
