Are Radicals Formed During Anion-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Operation?

In this paper we present a study on stable radicals and short-lived species generated in anion-exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells (AEMFCs) during operation. The in situ measurements are performed with a micro-AEMFC inserted into a resonator of an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer, which enables separate monitoring of radicals formed on the anode and cathode sides. The creation of radicals is monitored by the EPR spin trapping technique. For the first time, we clearly show the formation and presence of stable radicals in AEMs during and after long-term AEMFC operation. The main detected adducts during the operation of the micro-AEMFC are DMPO-OOH and DMPO-OH on the cathode side, and DMPO-H on the anode side. These results indicate that oxidative degradation involving radical reactions has to be taken into account when stability of AEMFCs is investigated.