Fundamental Investigations of Durability at a Polymer Electrolyte-Electrode Interface
Abstract
The overall objectives of this proposed effort was to further our fundamental understanding of degradation pathways at a polymer electrolyte-electrode interface. Towards this goal the key thrust areas proposed in this project were: (1) Understanding the role of peroxide lead free radical attack on the polymer electrolyte at the interface with both anode and cathode electrodes using a specially designed PEM cell enabling accelerated degradation conditions simulating practical H2/Air PEM operation. In this effort the correlation was made with peroxide yield measured directly using RRDE methods with concomitant degradation of the membrane and ionomer. (2) Understanding the effect of Ru stability in a variety of PtRu electrocatalysts under various DMFC operating conditions and the effect of its migration and deposition at the cathode. A combination of fuel cell studies and rotating disk electrode method are used to quantify the losses at both anode and cathode electrodes, these are correlated with the nature of the PtRu/C bulk and surface properties. (3) Understanding the effect of alloying on the stability of cathode electrocatalysts under various fuel cell operating conditions, especially at open circuit conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA510247
Entities
People
- Sanjeev Mukerjee
Organizations
- Northeastern University