Influence of Formic Acid Impurity on Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance

摘要

The effect of trace amounts of formic acid (HCOOH) on proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance is reported. Experimental approaches including long term stability test (100 hours), cyclic voltammetry (CV) scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate and characterize the contamination. The results show that trace amounts of HCOOH can cause degradation in fuel cell performance and significantly contaminate the electrodes. Furthermore, fully recovery from the contamination could not be achieved only by reverting to pure hydrogen while operating the fuel cell. Mechanisms of contamination of the electrodes and performance degradation of the PEMFC are also postulated.