Effect of Mechanical Vibration on the Durability of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

To study the durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), the experiments were performed by using a 300 h accelerated stress test under vibration and non-vibration conditions. Before and after chronic operation, the polarization curve, impedance spectra and cyclic voltammogram were measured at regular intervals. The voltage under vibration shows a small decline at the current density of 400 mA cm-2 and decreases quickly along the time in high current density. Meanwhile, the pavement vibration dramatically impacts the contact resistance of the membrane electrode assembly to the bipolar plates and the clamping screws of the fuel cell easily loosen under vibration. The calculations from X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the average diameters of Pt particles under vibration are smaller than those under no-vibration conditions. It increases from 3.17 nm in the pristine state to 3.43 nm and 4.62 nm, respectively. Moreover, much more platinum that dissolved from the catalyst layer and redeposited was detected inside the polymer membrane under vibration conditions.