New method to check fuel cell degradation can improve hydrogen vehicle’s life

For this purpose, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology turned to advanced electron microscopes. Their goal? To track the degradation of specific particles or components within the fuel cell. 

“From previously only looking at how the fuel cell has aged after use, we have now been able to look into the middle stage,” said Linnéa Strandberg at Chalmers. 

“Being able to follow a single, chosen particle within a specific area, provided a much better understanding of the degradation processes,” added Strandberg.

Fuel cell degradation

Fuel cells are like batteries that keep recharging themselves — as long as it has fuel. These devices produce electricity through a chemical reaction. It comprises three primary layers: two electrodes (anode and cathode), with an ion-conducting membrane in the center.

The electrodes, which are coated in catalyst material, receive hydrogen and oxygen. A chemical reaction occurs, yielding electricity and clean water as byproducts.

However, with time, essential components of the fuel cell are found to deteriorate.

In this study, advanced electron microscopy helped to pinpoint the exact locations and progression of cathode degradation during operational cycles. Interestingly, this method allowed them to identify material degradation at both the nano and micro levels. 

“It has previously been assumed that the performance would be affected by the fuel cell being disassembled and studied in the way we have done, but it turned out that this assumption is not correct, which is surprising,” said Björn Wickman, research leader, and Associate Professor at the Department of Physics at Chalmers.

The team hopes this technique could help to significantly boost fuel cell performance. 

Future vehicles may use fuel cells

Hydrogen is a promising fuel for big trucks as these produce only water vapor as exhaust. Furthermore, if the hydrogen is generated from renewable sources, the overall carbon footprint is zero.

Moreover, there’s another advantage: hydrogen vehicles can store their own energy, unlike electric cars.

Currently, the primary challenge hindering the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the relatively short lifespan of their components.

“The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has pointed out that improved lifetime of fuel cells is one of the most important goals to reach before fuel cell-powered hydrogen vehicles can become commercially successful,” noted the press release.

This current study has addressed this limitation. By understanding these degradation mechanisms, scientists can develop new materials and optimize fuel cell design for longer life and better performance.