Cathode Catalysts Degradation Mechanism from Liquid Electrolyte to Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Single-cell and half-cell degradation test procedures are evaluated for carbon supported Pt catalysts. Half-cell analyses are employed in identification of specific test parameters for evaluation of cathode catalysts. Single-cell measurements run at 100 % relative humidity (RH) evaluate the impact of catalysts degradation on fuel cell performance. The measurements in both setups show a 20 % deviation of the electrochemical surface area loss (ECSA), while the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity losses were comparable. The quantification of specific degradation mechanism as Pt dissolution and particle agglomeration and correlation with surface area and oxygen reduction activity is discussed.