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A Review of Proton Exchange Membrane Degradation Pathways, Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies in a Fuel Cell

Author

Listed:
  • Dharmjeet Madhav

    (KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Materials Engineering, Surface and Interface Engineered Materials, 8200 Bruges, Belgium)

  • Junru Wang

    (KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Materials Engineering, Surface and Interface Engineered Materials, 8200 Bruges, Belgium)

  • Rajesh Keloth

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA)

  • Jorben Mus

    (KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics and Energy Conversion, 8200 Bruges, Belgium)

  • Frank Buysschaert

    (KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mechanics and Energy Conversion, 8200 Bruges, Belgium)

  • Veerle Vandeginste

    (KU Leuven Bruges, Department of Materials Engineering, Surface and Interface Engineered Materials, 8200 Bruges, Belgium)

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have the potential to tackle major challenges associated with fossil fuel-sourced energy consumption. Nafion, a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane that has high proton conductivity and good chemical stability, is a standard proton exchange membrane (PEM) used in PEMFCs. However, PEM degradation is one of the significant issues in the long-term operation of PEMFCs. Membrane degradation can lead to a decrease in the performance and the lifespan of PEMFCs. The membrane can degrade through chemical, mechanical, and thermal pathways. This paper reviews the different causes of all three routes of PFSA degradation, underlying mechanisms, their effects, and mitigation strategies. A better understanding of different degradation pathways and mechanisms is valuable in producing robust fuel cell membranes. Hence, the progress in membrane fabrication for PEMFC application is also explored and summarized.

Suggested Citation

  • Dharmjeet Madhav & Junru Wang & Rajesh Keloth & Jorben Mus & Frank Buysschaert & Veerle Vandeginste, 2024. "A Review of Proton Exchange Membrane Degradation Pathways, Mechanisms, and Mitigation Strategies in a Fuel Cell," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-27, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:5:p:998-:d:1342471
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Ding, Feng & Zou, Tingting & Wei, Tao & Chen, Lei & Qin, Xiaoping & Shao, Zhigang & Yang, Jianjun, 2023. "The pinhole effect on proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) current density distribution and temperature distribution," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
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