Advances of membrane electrode assembly aging research of proton exchange membrane fuel cell under variable load: degradation mechanism, aging indicators, prediction strategy, and perspectives

As the fourth generation of stable power generation technology, proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has garnered extensive attention from both academia and industry in recent years. However, one of the primary impediments to the widespread commercialization lies in the service life. The aging of PEMFC systems under variable load conditions stands out as a prominent factor influencing their longevity. Consequently, delving into the aging mechanism and trend of PEMFC under variable load conditions assumes paramount significance in the quest for service life extension. This paper underscores a comprehensive exploration of the degradation mechanisms within various components of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Furthermore, it delves into the exploration of metrics capable of elucidating the health status of both the MEA and the overall PEMFC system. Meanwhile, this article pioneers an in-depth investigation into aging prediction methods predicated on diverse aging indicators, dissecting the efficacy and innovativeness of these strategies longitudinally. Ultimately, this article sets forth future research perspectives aimed at expediting the commercialization of power unit featuring integrated PEMFC systems. This review promises to furnish a deeper comprehension of the degradation mechanisms inherent to PEMFC, thereby enhancing their lifespan and reliability.