Catalytic Activity and Stability of Tungsten Oxide Electrocatalyst for Fuel Cell Applications

摘要

The degradation of the electrocatalyst in the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a major failure mode by which the performance of PEMFC deteriorates. Several factors - acting independently or in concert with each other - give rise to catalyst degradation. These factors include catalyst particle ripening (sintering), catalyst dissolution and catalyst support corrosion. Thus, different degradation mechanisms can occur on the electrode/electrocatalyst layer. The support physically separates the catalyst nanoparticles and may also influence the adsorptive properties of the catalyst active center. High electronic conductivity is a key performance requirement for any electrocatalyst support but unfortunately it also forms the basis of corrosion degradation. The presence of water in the catalyst/electrode layer promotes the corrosion of fuel cell components.