Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Catalyst Coated Membranes Subjected to In Situ Hygrothermal Fatigue

Abstract

Catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells are subjected to mechanical stresses in the form of fatigue and creep that deteriorate the durability and lifetime of the cells. The present article aims to determine the effect of in-situ hygrothermal fatigue on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the CCM. The fatigue process is systematically explored by the application of two custom-developed accelerated mechanical stress test (AMST) experiments with periodic extraction of partially degraded CCMs. Cross sectional and top surface scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the end-of-test CCMs reveal the formation of mechanically induced cracks and delamination due to cyclic tensile and compressive fatigue stress. Tensile and expansion tests are conducted at different stages of degradation to evaluate the evolution in the mechanical and hygrothermal properties of the CCM. The tensile test results indicate gradual reductions in final strain, ultimate tensile strength, and fracture toughness with increasing number of fatigue cycles. The decay in tensile properties is attributed to the microstructural damage and micro-cracks formed during the AMST. Moreover, it is shown that the hygrothermal expansion of the CCM is more sensitive to conditioning than mechanical degradation.