Study of fuel cell corrosion processes using dynamic hydrogen reference electrodes

摘要

Dynamic hydrogen reference electrodes (DHREs) were incorporated into an operating Ballard (R) Mark 9 fuel cell. Localized anode and cathode electrode potentials were measured against these references during normal operation, fuel dilution, and anode gas exchange events. Clear differences were observed between electrode potentials near the anode inlet and anode exhaust. Certain conditions generated localized corrosive electrochemical potentials in excess of + 1.5V (vs. DHRE) on the cathode with a corresponding increase in CO2 levels measured in the cathode exhaust.