Reverse-Current Decay in Hydroxide Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

In proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), the cathode carbon support corrodes during startup and shutdown by reverse-current decay (RCD). We show for the first time that hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (HEMFCs) also undergo RCD. We find that decreasing the oxygen reduction reaction (OR...

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Published inJournal of the Electrochemical Society Vol. 163; no. 5; pp. F377 - F383
Main Authors Kaspar, Robert B., Wittkopf, Jarrid A., Woodroof, Mariah D., Armstrong, Matthew J., Yan, Yushan
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published The Electrochemical Society 01.01.2016
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Summary:In proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), the cathode carbon support corrodes during startup and shutdown by reverse-current decay (RCD). We show for the first time that hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells (HEMFCs) also undergo RCD. We find that decreasing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of the anode catalyst mitigates RCD: a Ru anode causes less corrosion than Pt, Ir, and Pd anodes, as expected from their ORR activities. After an intensive 6 h RCD test, an HEMFC based on Ru shows six times lower internal resistance compared to Pt (1.02 vs. 6.01 Ω cm2). Due to its enhanced ORR activity in base, carbon alone can sustain RCD. To minimize RCD the carbon support should be eliminated from the anode catalyst.
Bibliography:041605JES
ISSN:0013-4651
1945-7111
DOI:10.1149/2.041605jes