A study on electrode additives to prevent fuel cell failure under fuel starvation conditions in ships

Abstract

Hydrogen gas depletion may occur in applications such as automobiles, trains, and ships that use hydrogen fuel cells as a power source. This phenomenon is called “Fuel Starvation”, and it causes failure of the fuel cell when a current load is applied to the fuel cell. In this condition, the fuel cell voltage gradually reverses negatively (cell reversal) and serious degradation of the electrode materials can be observed at the anode. In the normal voltage range, hydrogen oxidation reaction occurs at the anode of the fuel cell. However, in the cell reversal state, carbon oxidation reaction (carbon corrosion reaction) occurs at the fuel cell anode. In general, the hydrogen oxidation catalyst of fuel cells is used in the form of a nano-sized platinum-based catalyst mounted on a carbon-based support (Pt/C). These carbon supports corrode under abnormal operating conditions, such as cell reversal, and may cause fuel cell failure. In order to prevent failure due to fuel starvation and cell reversal, a strategy of controlling voltage limit and adding additives to the fuel cell anode were selected. Before and after cell reversal tests, each electrochemical performance was compared under several electrode conditions. In addition, the physical properties of the electrodes were analyzed through transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This result can be used as basic data to delay the degradation of the electrode and to maintain the performance of the fuel cell under fuel starvation conditions.