Understanding Recoverable vs Unrecoverable Voltage Losses and Long-Term Degradation Mechanisms in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

ABSTRACT: Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have recently shown excellent progress in terms of their performance - e.g., achievable power and current density. However, very few AEMFCs have been demonstrated with the ability to operate for a long duration (>1000 h). In addition, it is unknown whether performance losses observed during operation are reversible, irreversible, or a combination of the two. In this study, a high-performance AEMFC operated continuously at 600 mA/cm2 for 3600 h (150 days) at 80 degrees C with H2/O2 reacting gases was demonstrated. Throughout testing, the electrochemical properties of the AEMFC were probed to provide information about performance degradation pathways and their degree of reversibility. It was found that a portion of the performance loss that occurs during AEMFC operation was due to suboptimal reaction conditions and can be recovered. At the end of the experiment, the cell was disassembled, and its structure and composition were evaluated at the nanoscale by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The structure and composition of the electrode were compared to cells at the beginning of their operational life. It was found that the primary mechanism for long-term AEMFC performance loss was catalyst agglomeration. During the operational time, there was no evidence of significant polymer degradation, likely due to the high hydration state of the cell. By documenting the long-term changes in high-performing AEMFCs, this work provides important information for the systematic design of cell components and demonstrates the importance of controlling cell operation, which can aid in the commercialization and widespread deployment of low-cost, long-life AEMFCs.

Automated summary

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) have made significant progress in performance, but long-term operation and performance losses are still challenges. This study demonstrates the ability of a high-performance AEMFC to operate for an extended period and investigates the reversibility of performance losses. It was found that suboptimal reaction conditions contribute to reversible performance losses, while catalyst agglomeration is the primary mechanism for long-term performance degradation. Understanding these changes is crucial for the design and control of AEMFC components.