An investigation into the predictability of membrane durability in Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract

This work addresses the issue of lifetime of the proton exchange membrane, one of the vital components of Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, with a focus on its mechanical and fatigue response under typical operating conditions. Although the durability of a complete system can only be defined by investigating each of its constituent materials and components, both separately and in combina tion, the polymer membrane that acts as a gas separator and a solid electrolyte is at the heart of a fuel cell’s performance. The mechanical stability of this membrane is the most pressing issue for efficient commercialization of Hydrogen fuel cells, and a large hindrance for achieving longer lifetimes of hydrogen fuel cells is the lack of understanding of its degradation and eventual failure during operation. To properly evaluate this one needs to a.) determine the in-situ mechanical stresses that develop in the membrane, and b.) to evaluate the effect of the mechanical stress response on the membrane fatigue life. Both of which will be covered in this thesis.