Investigation of Membrane Chemical Degradation as a Function of Catalyst Platinum Loading

Membrane chemical degradation is one of many factors that can impact fuel cell durability. The fuel cell's lifetime heavily depends on the membrane and its ability to maintain chemical and mechanical integrity. Studies indicate the chemical degradation is due to the formation of hydroxyl radicals that attack the polymer structure resulting in membrane thinning, pinhole formation, and the release of fluoride and sulfate ions1. In addition, mechanical failures can transpire, e.g. cracks, tears, perforations and pinhole formation, due to membrane swelling/de-swelling leading to an increase in membrane degradation rate. Previous research employed supported and non-supported platinum (Pt) catalysts and PtCo alloy catalysts in their studies. In this study, we investigated how varying the amount of Pt-supported catalyst affects membrane degradation.