Investigation of Hydrogen Starvation of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells in Freezing Condition Using Reference Electrode

Investigation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) durability in freezing conditions is important for future application in vehicles. It is well established that hydrogen starvation during normal operation leads to carbon corrosion and anode catalyst layer degradation. However, hydrogen starvation damage to PEFCs in freezing conditions has not been well studied. The amount of anode damage strongly depends on the anode potential. However, during freezing conditions both electrodes experience significant potential changes and thus a reference electrode is needed. Here, a reference electrode was developed and used to investigate hydrogen starvation and cell reversal at -15 degrees C. Based on anode potential change, an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) potential plateau was observed with the potential value shifted to a higher value due to the temperature effect.