Model-Based Analysis of Carbon Corrosion in Start-Up/Shutdown, Fuel Starvation, and Voltage Reversal of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

Carbon corrosion of the catalyst support has been identified as a major degradation source in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Start-up/Shutdown (SUSD), fuel starvation, and voltage reversal are known conditions that can trigger non-negligible carbon corrosion in the anode or cathode. This paper elucidates the fundamental differences of these three carbon corrosion scenarios with model simulation and analysis. It is anticipated to shed light on the otherwise confusing carbon corrosion scenarios in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell and the fundamental ideas for alleviation strategies.