High temperature PEM fuel cell performance characterisation with CO and CO2 using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

In this work, extensive electrochemical impedance measurements have been conducted on a 45 cm2 BASF Celtec P2100 high temperature PEM MEA. The fuel cell performance has been examined subject to some of the poisoning effects experienced when running on a reformate gas. The impedance is measured at different temperatures, currents, and different content of CO, CO2 and H2 in the anode gas. The impedance spectrum at each operating point is fitted to an equivalent circuit and an analysis to identify the different mechanisms governing the impedance is performed. The trends observed, when varying the operating conditions under pure H2, generally show good agreement with results from the literature. When adding CO and CO2 to the anode gas the entire frequency spectrum is affected, and especially the measurements conducted at low temperatures and high CO concentrations reveal undesirable transient effects.

► The impedance of a BASF Celtec P2100 HTPEM FC was examined using impedance spectroscopy. ► Performance was mapped at different temperatures, H2, CO and CO2 gas concentration. ► Experimental results were fitted to an equivalent circuit showing good consistency.