Investigation of Membrane Chemical Degradation as a Function of Catalyst Platinum Loading

Spears, André J.; Rockward, Tommy; Mukundan, Rangachary; Garzon, Fernando

doi:10.1149/1945-7111/ac0221

Investigation of Membrane Chemical Degradation as a Function of Catalyst Platinum Loading

Journal Article · Fri Jun 04 00:00:00 EDT 2021 · Journal of the Electrochemical Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac0221· OSTI ID:1835788

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Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States); Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Membrane chemical degradation is one of many factors that can impact fuel cell durability. Additionally, the fuel cell’s lifetime heavily depends on the membrane and its ability to maintain chemical and mechanical integrity. Previous studies indicate that chemical degradation is due to the formation of hydroxyl radicals that attack the polymer structure resulting in membrane thinning, pinhole formation, and the release of fluoride and sulfate ions. Membrane durability was investigated using ultra-low Pt electrode loadings (≤ 0.1 mg_Pt cm^-2). Accelerated stress testing (US-DOE protocols) demonstrated that the degradation rate was found to increase with higher Pt loadings. This is most likely due to more heterogeneous sites for radical formation due to hydrogen crossover to the cathode. We also explored membrane degradation rates while varying catalyst layer thickness, ionomer to carbon ratio, and types of carbon support. All of the aforementioned variables impact the membrane degradation rates.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: 89233218CNA000001

OSTI ID:: 1835788

Report Number(s):: LA-UR--21-20238

Journal Information:: Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 168; ISSN 0013-4651

Publisher:: IOP Publishing - The Electrochemical SocietyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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