Predicting performance stability of anion exchange membrane fuel cells

Anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are attracting increasing attention worldwide mainly due to this technology's potential to considerably reduce fuel cell device costs. However, their development and implementation is significantly handicapped by the membrane and ionomer's decomposition during cell operation. In this study we propose and apply a unique one-dimensional model capable of predicting, for the first time, the performance stability of AEMFCs. The model accounts for the ionomeric material degradation and its relationship with local hydration, which depends on cell material properties, design parameters and operating conditions. Using this model, we successfully demonstrate the strong impact of operating current density and membrane characteristics on the performance stability of a representative cell. The predicted cell stability provides critical insights for the design and development of highly stable AEMFCs. By using membranes with achievable targeted properties, the model predicts an AEMFC life-time higher than 5000 h, suitable for automotive applications.