Durability and Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) offer high efficiencies and zero-emission power generation, making them a key technology for decarbonisation in transport and stationary applications. Achieving the durability—typically thousands of hours of reliable operation—required for commercial viability demands mitigation of complex degradation processes. Catalysts may dissolve or agglomerate, membranes can thin or crack, and ionomer migration within catalyst layers can impose additional voltage losses. Operational stresses imposed by startup/shutdown sequences, fuel starvation, transient loads and water/thermal management further exacerbate these effects. Progress has come from integrated strategies including advanced catalyst supports, multifunctional electrode architectures and refined operating protocols. Standardised test procedures and life cycle assessments that account for long-term performance decay are also emerging as critical tools. By coupling material innovations with rigorous stress testing and environmental impact evaluation, the field is advancing towards PEMFCs capable of reliably delivering power over lifetimes compatible with automotive and heavy-duty requirements.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated that embedding a thin tungsten oxide layer within the anode can act as a rapid hydrogen reservoir, oxygen scavenger and sensor for power demand. This multifunctional design improves transient power output at low humidity, minimises auxiliary energy-storage needs and enhances resistance to fuel starvation events. Integrating such reservoirs directly into catalyst layers has been shown to reduce platinum dissolution rates and extend cell lifetimes under dynamic driving conditions.

Durability and Performance of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in durability and performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM): A proton-conducting polymer layer that separates anode and cathode and facilitates proton transport while blocking electrons.

Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA): The combination of the membrane, catalyst layers and gas diffusion media forming the active core of a fuel cell.

Cell Reversal: A phenomenon where cell polarity inverts during fuel starvation, leading to high anodic potentials that accelerate catalyst corrosion.

Ionomer Migration: The movement of proton-conductive polymer within the catalyst layer during operation, which can cause voltage losses.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A method to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s life, from manufacture to disposal.

Transient Operation: Operating conditions characterised by rapid changes in power demand or reactant supply, posing high stress to cell components.

References

1. Redesign of Anode Catalyst for Sustainable Survival of Fuel Cells. Advanced Science (2024).
2. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Reversal: A Review. Catalysts (2016).
3. Multi-functional anodes boost the transient power and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Nature Communications (2020).
4. Review of the Durability of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell in Long-Term Operation: Main Influencing Parameters and Testing Protocols. Energies (2021).
5. Effects of PEMFC Operational History under Dry/Wet Conditions on Additional Voltage Losses due to Ionomer Migration. Journal of The Electrochemical Society (2020).
6. The influence of degradation effects in proton exchange membrane fuel cells on life cycle assessment modelling and environmental impact indicators. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2022).