Harmful radical species (HO•, HOO•) are formed during fuel cell operation. Out of these species, the highly electrophilic hydroxyl radical is the most reactive (1.8 – 2.7 V vs. NHE). Consequently, the most electron-rich constituents, aromatic rings, are preferentially attacked and undergo rapid degradation. Hydroxyl radical formation rates depend on operating conditions and cell parameters, but even with low formation rates the damage accumulates over time and can lead to thinning or embrittlement of the membrane, and will cause irreversible damage to the cell. Due to these effects, long-term operation becomes challenging. Therefore, membranes with enhanced radical stability are increasingly desirable. In our previous work, we have shown, using kinetics measurements, that it should be possible for Ce(III) to act as a repair agent for formed damaged intermediates (cf. Figure).^[1] In our follow-up work we demonstrate that Ce(III) can indeed reduce degradation rates.^[2] These experiments were performed in a fuel cell setup using accelerated stress tests at open circuit voltage (OCV), a cell temperature of 80 °C, 100% RH and high H₂ and O₂ partial pressures of 2 bar. In-situ measurements and post-test analyses unequivocally show that bound Ce(III) can mitigate degradation of poly(α-methylstyrene sulfonate)-based membranes. We believe that this approach could also be applicable for other aromatic-based polymers if a sufficiently long-lived intermediate is formed upon radical attack.

References:

[1] T. de Wild et al., J. Electrochem. Soc. 2021, 168, 054514.

[2] T. de Wild et al., J. Power Sources, submitted