Review of hydrogen crossover through the polymer electrolyte membrane

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is considered to be a promising, clean, and efficient energy conversion device. At present, the main challenges faced by the application of PEMFC in the automotive are cost and durability. Hydrogen from anode to the cathode through polymer electrolyte membrane (i.e. crossover hydrogen) affects the durability of fuel cells. In this paper, the existing literature on hydrogen crossover is reviewed and summarized from consequences, causes, mitigation measures, and detection methods. The influences of hydrogen crossover on the components and performance are discussed. The causes are analyzed from structural permeation and membrane degradation. The methods of alleviating the degradation of the membrane are summarized. The electrochemical and non-electrochemical monitoring methods are described, and the segmented current method is explained separately. The existing problems and research prospects are put forward, which lays a foundation for further research on hydrogen crossover and improvement fuel cell durability.