A review of the main parameters influencing long-term performance and durability of PEM fuel cells

This paper presents an overview of issues affecting the life and the long-term performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells based on a survey of existing literature. We hope that this brief overview provides the engineers and researchers in the field with a perspective of the important issues that should be addressed to extend the life of next-generation fuel cells. Causes and fundamental mechanisms of cell degradation and their influence on long-term performance of fuel cells are discussed. Current research shows that main causes of short life and performance degradation are poor water management, fuel and oxidant starvation, corrosion and chemical reactions of cell components. Poor water management can cause dehydration or flooding, operation under dehydrated condition could damage the membrane whereas flooding facilitates corrosion of the electrodes, the catalyst layers, the gas diffusion media and the membrane. Corrosion products and impurities from outside can poison the cell. Thermal management is particularly important when the fuel cell is operated at sub-zero and elevated temperatures and is key at cold start-ups as well as when subjected to freezing conditions.