A comprehensive review of PEMFC durability in dynamic operation: Critical stressors, degradation analysis, and lifetime prognostics

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have emerged as promising clean energy conversion devices for automotive applications, yet their widespread commercialization remains constrained by durability challenges, particularly under dynamic operating conditions. This paper systematically investigates the intrinsic relationships between dynamic operating conditions and PEMFC degradation mechanisms, establishing a coherent framework that connects operational stressors to performance deterioration pathways. First, critical operational conditions and environmental factors are examined to elucidate their distinctive degradation signatures on fuel cell components. Subsequently, component-specific aging mechanisms are analyzed under various operational stressors. State-of-the-art lifetime prediction methodologies are then reviewed, with particular emphasis on how dynamic conditions are incorporated. This review bridges the gap between operational dynamics, degradation physics, and predictive modeling, providing valuable insights for researchers and engineers working toward more reliable fuel cell degradation prognostics methods for transportation applications. • Review of dynamic operational stressors and their impacts on PEMFC durability. • Charaterization of component-level degradation mechanisms. • Critical assessment of lifetime prediction methods under dynamic conditions. • Identification of challenges in operating condition-based degradation prognostics. • Proposition of promising solutions for robust durability prediction.