Improving MEA Durability by Using a Catalyst with a Small Number of Functional Groups on Its Surface

In order to improve the durability of MEAs, surface functional groups on catalysts were focused. It was found that functional groups such as hydroxy and carboxyl groups are responsible for the OCV degradation of MEAs. By applying a heat-treated catalyst, which has a small number of functional groups on its surface, to both cathode and anode of an MEA, the OCV durability was drastically improved.