Lifetime of PEMFCs

In this paper reactions having strong influence on the lifetime of PEMFCs are described. These lifetime limiting reactions are related to the catalyst (increase of the particle size, catalyst dissolution, oxidation of the carbon catalyst support, catalyst deactivation by contaminants), to the membrane (degradation, loss of membrane humidification, increase of membrane resistance), and corrosion of structural components (e.g. metallic bipolar plates). Examples for such reactions are shown and rate determinining parameter are discussed.