Performance Degradation of PEM Fuel Cells During Startup–Shutdown Cycles: A Case Study

As a catalyst carrier material, the oxidation of carbon materials is considered one of the main factors affecting the performance degradation of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) during startup and shutdown and must be alleviated to achieve acceptable durability. This chapter first addresses the effect of cathode exhaust conditions on the degradation behaviors of fuel cells using two single cells named the open-ended and closed cells. Then, the effect of shutoff sequences of hydrogen and air on the degradation behaviors of PEMFCs is explored with two different shutdown procedures. Meanwhile, electrochemical techniques, including the measurement of polarization curves, cyclic voltammetry, and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy of membrane electrode assemblies and transmission electron microscopy of Pt/C catalyst, are employed to discuss the performance degradation of PEMFCs.