Catalyst Layer Degradation, Diagnosis and Failure Mitigation

Faced with rapidly rising air pollution-related health risks, sky-rocketing oil prices, and diminishing natural resources, scientists and engineers are now seeking clean and efficient alternatives to petroleum as energy sources. The hydrogen fuel cell, using hydrogen and oxygen from air as fuel, could achieve efficiencies of electric power generation in the 50–65% range. As a “clean” electric power source, fuel cells can be used to power vehicles, back-up the power supply for electric devices, and store electricity in power stations by converting water into hydrogen and oxygen during off-peak hours. The only by-products are water and heat. The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (also called polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, PEMFC) is a highly promising power source candidate for zero emission vehicles, stationary applications, backup power units, materials handling, and small electronics. Fuel cells are currently the only technology that can effectively provide pollution-free energy for both transportation and electric utilities. The use of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) will partially reduce the global dependency on petroleum as a fuel.