In-Situ Characterization of Cathode Catalyst Degradation in PEM Fuel Cells

Abstract

Abstract The composition and morphology of the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) have a significant impact on the performance and stability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Understanding the primary degradation mechanism of the CCL and its influencing factors is crucial for optimizing PEMFC performance and durability. Within this work, we present comprehensive in-situ characterization data focused on cathode catalyst degradation. The dataset consists of 36 unique durability tests with over 4000 testing hours, including variations in the cathode ionomer to carbon ratio, platinum on carbon ratio, ionomer equivalent weight, and carbon support type. The applied accelerated stress tests were conducted with different upper potential limits and relative humidities. Characterization techniques including IV-curves, limiting current measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry were employed to analyse changes in performance, charge and mass transfer, and electrochemically active surface area of the catalyst. The aim of the dataset is to improve the understanding of catalyst degradation by allowing comparisons across material variations and provide practical information for other researchers in the field.