Evaluation of MEA Durability Test Protocols

The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) durability test protocols proposed by FCCJ, USFCC and DOE were compared in their deterioration behavior of performances and materials. These MEA durability tests for polymer electrolyte fuel cells were performed using JARI's standard single cell. In the carbon support corrosion test protocols, carbon decomposition (oxidation), collapsing of the porous structure of the carbon support, and agglomeration and dropout of the platinum (Pt) catalyst were observed. A proper fast evaluation can be done by the FCCJ protocol because of the highest applied voltage. In the Pt catalyst stability test protocols, both Pt particle growth and also carbon oxidation were observed in the Pt/C catalyst used in this study. It was found that the carbon oxidation rate was the lowest in the DOE protocol. In the membrane durability test protocols, decomposed fluorine F- and thinning of membrane were observed. Tests results suggest that the FCCJ protocol (using air, without pressure difference between anode and cathode) was the best at early stage evaluation