Causes and Mechanisms of Membrane Electrode Failure in Fuel Cells
The lifespan of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is closely related to the durability of their core component,the proton exchange membrane.In order to explore the main factors affecting the durability of membrane electrodes,methods such as scanning electron microscopy,X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy,and elastic modulus testing were used to analyze the failed membrane electrodes after working condition durability cycling.The results indicate that the detachment of the resin layer and deformation of the reinforcement layer in the proton exchange membrane are the main reasons for the leakage failure of the membrane electrode.Further testing results show that the transition metal elements are locally enriched in the membrane electrode,and its elastic modulus of the membrane electrode delays by 14%and 25%in the transverse and longitudinal directions,respectively.Based on characterization data,the failure mechanism of proton exchange membranes was thoroughly studied,and subsequent improvement and iteration directions were proposed.