Service Life and Durability Enhancement Methods of Fuel Cells

Ruilin Peng; Zheng Qin; Yirui Wu

doi:10.54097/njztqv20

Authors

Ruilin Peng
Zheng Qin
Yirui Wu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/njztqv20

Keywords:

Fuel cell lifespan; Electrochemical decay; Catalyst; Proton exchange membrane; Self-healing materials.

Abstract

This paper focuses on the service life of fuel cells and methods for their improvement. It begins by outlining the limitations of conventional fossil fuels and highlights the advantages of fuel cells in clean energy conversion, emphasizing their high efficiency and renewable characteristics. Subsequently, the study analyzes the primary factors restricting fuel cell lifespan, including electrochemical degradation and environmental influences, and summarizes existing international technological improvements such as novel catalysts, advanced membrane materials, and specialized coatings. The article further proposes comprehensive strategies for enhancing durability across four dimensions: materials, design, operation, and technology. These include developing more stable nanostructured catalysts and alloy catalysts, improving the mechanical and chemical stability of membrane materials, optimizing temperature and humidity control, limiting deep discharge, strengthening online monitoring and maintenance cleaning, and implementing intelligent lifespan extension approaches such as digital twins and self-healing materials. The study underscores the effectiveness of these improvement measures and emphasizes the critical role and broad prospects of fuel cells in the energy transition. It also notes that enhancing longevity remains a key challenge for future research.

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