Research and analysis on the degradation of fuel cells due to pollutants at the cathode
master's thesis

Cars with PEM fuel cells require hydrogen and air for energy conversion to power the vehicle. The electrochemical reactions of the fuel cell are efficient in energy conversion, but are also more sensitive to disturbances. In addition to nitrogen and oxygen, the air also contains pollutants that disrupt/block the chemical reactions and transport processes of the fuel cell and temporarily or permanently impair performance. The aim of this work is to create a database on the influence of various pollutants on the degradation of the fuel cell cathode and to derive a forecasting tool for reducing the service life of a fuel cell from this. The publications found during the research on the influence of pollutants on performance and service life are to be evaluated using a suitable method, and a degradation factor is to be derived, depending on time, concentration, and other conditions. Using the degradation factors, a database is to be established and an evaluation/forecasting tool for service life under the influence of pollutants is to be developed.+

Main tasks:

• State-of-the-art research on damage mechanisms and pollutants for fuel cells
• Research on the influence of various substances on the performance and service life of the membrane and catalyst of PEM fuel cells
• Analysis of search results and creation of a database of key data
• Creation of a calculation tool for degradation by pollutants
• Summary and clear presentation of the results