Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells : Contamination and Mitigation Strategies

Large-scale commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology has been hindered by issues of reliability, durability, and cost, which are all related to the degradation of fuel cell performance. This degradation often has root causes in contamination from fuel, air streams, or system components. With contributions from international scientists and engineers active in PEMFC research, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Contamination and Mitigation Strategies discusses the impacts of contamination and the contamination mitigation strategies to improve fuel cell performance and durability.

The book covers the nature, sources, and electrochemistry of contaminants; their effects on fuel cell performance and lifetime; and the mechanisms of contamination. Exploring the major findings from experimental and theoretical studies in contamination-related research, the expert contributors present methods and tools used for diagnosing various contamination phenomena, along with strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of contamination. They also describe key issues in the future R&D of fuel cell contamination and control.

Helping to facilitate pioneering PEMFC R&D and accelerate sustainable commercialization, this book contains the latest research efforts and novel developments as well as important new directions in PEMFC contamination. It offers a comprehensive overview of nearly every aspect of fuel cell contamination, from fundamentals to applications.

Hui Li is a research associate and project leader of the PEMFC Contamination Consortium at the National Research Council of Canada Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation (NRC-IFCI).

Shanna Knights is program manager of MEA Technology in the R&D department at Ballard Power Systems.

Zheng Shi is a research officer at the NRC-IFCI.

John W. Van Zee is a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of South Carolina and director of the National Science Foundation’s Center for Fuel Cells.

Jiujun Zhang is a senior research officer and PEM Catalysis Core Competency leader at the NRC-IFCI.