Fingerprint of automotive fuel cell cathode catalyst degradation: Pt band in PEMs

An advanced hydrogen-based fuel cell power-train system for the automotive industry must meet a number of demanding requirements to become commercially attractive. These include improvements in fuel economy, power efficiency and durability in order to provide a vehicle range equalling that of an internal combustion engine – all of which have to be achieved while trying to meet cost targets. This article highlights research that is being done at Automotive Fuel Cell Cooperation Corp to gain a fundamental understanding of cathode catalyst degradation. In particular, it discusses Pt dissolution and Pt band formation after in-situ membrane electrode assembly durability testing. Automotive data indicate that Pt dissolution is a significant degradation mode that currently limits the lifetime of membrane electrode assemblies.