Characterizing Polymeric Leachants for Potential System Contaminants of Fuel Cells

The role of system contaminants in the performance degradation of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells has been underappreciated to date. This work seeks to identify potential contaminants of system components with the ultimate goal of tying contaminant exposure to performance and durability After aging of select polymers in solution, leachant samples were qualitatively identified via GCMS and FTIR-ATR. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content quantitatively provided information relative to contaminant level extracted from polymeric samples. Results will be presented focusing on SBR rubber and neoprene. Qualitative concentration vs. time charts elucidate leachant evolution, showing among other things potential chemical degradation in solution.