Fe-N-C has shown to be a viable low-cost, PGM-free catalyst to replace RhS/C for oxygen-depolarized cathode applications. Though it possesses high intrinsic ORR activity and relatively good immunity towards chloride ion poisoning, further studies must be conducted to explore the degradation pathways of Fe-N-C in a wide pH range to realize its capabilities in concentrated hydrochloric acid and Chlor-alkali electrolysis1.Moreover, Fe-N-C has been shown to maintain performance after being in operation for more than one hour with three uncontrolled shutdowns, nearly matching RhS/C at a current density of 0.5 A/cm2 with a cell potential of 1.38 V1. Thus, we will perform long-term durability tests under Raman and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Furthermore, a single electrochemical flow cell will be designed for both spectrochemical methods to characterize the interaction between the catalyst and the formation of products during the uncontrolled shutdown. Specifically, Raman spectroscopy will be utilized to detect changes in the catalyst structure if any Fe-N4 bonds are broken or changed due to chloride anions upon shutdown. XAS-Fe edge will be employed to elucidate the formation of Fe-Cl bonds due to crossover anions during operation and when the cell is removed from the power supply. By determining the degradation pathways or lack of, we can truly assess the viability of Fe-N-C as a replacement for RhS/C in hydrochloric acid and Chlor-alkali electrolysis. These techniques provide a platform to reduce experimental uncertainty and gain further insight into the degradation of both catalyst and membrane-electrode assembly performance.