2009 Volume 58 Issue 5 Pages 399-405
The electrode catalyst of a fuel cell is an important component because it is the electric generating part of the cell. The authors carried out a long-term durability test of a PEFC electrode using 6 test cells with a Pt-Ru alloy for the anode catalyst and a Pt-Co alloy for the cathode catalyst. During 12000 hours of cell operation, electrochemical measurements were conducted at 1000 hour intervals. The cells were disassembled after 0 (initial), 3600, 6200, 9000, 11200 and 12000 hours of operation to observe the electrode components. By analyses of the electrode materials, such as a change in a particle of the electrode catalyst, dissolution of the alloy catalysts, catalyst migration to the electrolyte membrane, and a change in the amount of electrolyte ionomer, the relationship between the material change and the cell deterioration was revealed.
