Impact of Electrochemical Pre-Treatment Step on Accelerated Ageing of Membrane under OCV Protocol in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

Ageing of the membrane in polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEMFC) is an important problem limiting the commercialization of this energy conversion device. Understanding factors impacting membrane performance in the course of FC operation is essential for the development of durable cell components. Two cells were tested in the present work using open circuit voltage (OCV)-based protocol for accelerated ageing of Nafion® membrane. The initial state of the cells was different: one membrane electrode assembly (MEA) was taken fresh while the other one was pre-aged using load cycling protocol. Platinum-based precipitation band was formed in the membrane as a result of pre-ageing step, which potentially could serve as a radical scavenger. Finally, the impact of applying electrochemical pre-treatment procedure on further membrane degradation was investigated. Periodical electrochemical in-situ diagnostics and fluoride emission rate measurements were used to monitor the state of MEAs before and after conducting accelerated ageing tests.