Potential oscillations in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a Pd-Pt/C anode

Author(s)

Lopes, Pietro P. ; Ticianelli, Edson A. ; Varela, Hamilton

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Power Sources; v. 196, n. 1, p. 6-pg., 2011-01-01.

Abstract

We report in this paper the occurrence of potential oscillations in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with a Pd-Pt/C anode, fed with H-2/100 ppm CO, and operated at 30 degrees C. We demonstrate that the use of Pd-Pt/C anode enables the emergence of dynamic instabilities in a PEMFC. Oscillations are characterized by the presence of very high oscillation amplitude, ca. 0.8 V. which is almost twice that observed in a PEMFC with a Pt-Ru/C anode under similar conditions. The effects of the H-2/CO flow rate and cell current density on the oscillatory dynamics were investigated and the mechanism rationalized in terms of the CO oxidation and adsorption processes. We also discuss the fundamental aspects concerning the operation of a PEMFC under oscillatory regime in terms of the benefit resulting from the higher average power output. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/07629-6 - Electrocatalysis IV: fundamental and applied aspects of electrocatalytic processes, bio-electrocatalysis and kinetic instabilities
• Grantee: Edson Antonio Ticianelli
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 08/10529-0 - Development and characterization of nanoparticulated electrocatalysts of PtMo/C and PtW/C for the hydrogen oxidation reaction on the presence of CO in PEM fuel cells
• Grantee: Pietro Papa Lopes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate