Simulated start–stop as a rapid aging tool for polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrodes

The corrosion stability of supported catalysts as employed in state of the art intermediate temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells has been studied by means of simulated start–stop cycling (150 cycles). The carbon dioxide formation from the air electrode has been monitored during repeated cycling runs and the loss of catalyst support has been correlated with performance drops. Degradation effects have been studied at different current densities in order to differentiate between kinetic and mass transport effects. Finally, correlations of this accelerated aging tool with a more realistic durability test over 4000 h and 157 start–stop cycles have been made and the good agreement between simulated and realistic approaches has been confirmed, demonstrating the high value of the experimental approach and analysis.

Research highlights
► Simulated start–stop cycles: a valuable rapid aging tool for electrodes.
► Alloy catalysts proven to be more corrosions stable than pure Pt catalyst.
► Good correlation between real life test and rapid aging test.