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This two-part article series examines the impacts of incidental non-metallic particle deposition on fuel cell membrane durability. Part 1 investigates the effect of particle type, while Part 2 focuses on mitigation approaches. In this part (Part 2), the behavior of flat, solid particles embedded at the membrane and cathode catalyst layer interface, shown to be harmful in Part 1, is studied experimentally in greater detail. These particles, which can originate from fuel cell components or fabrication machinery debris, are found to compromise membrane durability by forming cavities within the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that promote cracking and creeping. The role of microporous layer (MPL) properties as the adjacent layer is then analyzed in relation to local deformation of MEA components in the presence of a particle. Numerical simulations show that MPL elasticity and plastic yield stress influence the likelihood of membrane failure near particles. Based on these insights, mitigation strategies are proposed. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate that applying pre-pressure to the MEA alters component deformation in a way that reduces membrane stress during operation and enhances fuel cell durability. • Flat particles create MEA cavities, increasing membrane stress and risk of failure. • Smaller particles reduce cavity size but elevate membrane stress, risking creep. • Reducing MPL yield stress shrinks MEA cavity size, enhancing membrane durability. • Pre-pressure on MEA reduces cavity size and stress, extending membrane lifespan.
Bahrami et al. (Thu,) studied this question.