Behaviors of proton exchange membrane fuel cells under oxidant starvation

▶ The in situ measurement of local interfacial potentials has been utilized to study the cell reversal process during oxidant starvation. ▶ The negative interfacial potential is observed near the outlet of cathode and the current distribution appears inhomogeneous when the oxidant starvation occurs. ▶ The local hot spots appear at the cathode air inlet when the cell reversal takes place, which could be one of the reasons for MEA degradation.