Main degradation mechanisms of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stacks – Mechanisms, influencing factors, consequences, and mitigation strategies

This paper focuses on the main chemical, electrochemical, and mechanical degradation mechanisms and poisoning effects that influence the life-time, the performance, and the functionality of PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cell stack components reversibly and irreversibly. The underlying causes are explained, possible influencing factors are listed, and the effects of degradation on fuel cell operation and state of health are described. Based on this, further consequences as well as mitigation strategies are presented. The summary gives an overview of the affected causes of voltage decay, the influence of operating conditions, strategies, and events on each specific degradation mechanism, and additionally the influence of initial degradation on any further degradation.