Effect of glycol-based coolants on the suppression and recovery of platinum fuel cell electrocatalysts

► Suppression and recovery of Pt/VC in glycol-based coolant formulations was studied. ► Glycol/water mixture causes loss of Pt ECSA and lowers ORR activity. ► Full recovery is achieved by transfer of poisoned electrode to clean electrolyte. ► Addition of surfactant to the coolant formulation does not affect the Pt/VC electrocatalysts. ► Azole corrosion inhibitors cause irreversible losses to the available Pt ECSA.