NA - Degradation of PEM fuel cells

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells for electrochemical conversion of hydrogen to electric energy are considered to be a viable technology in a future energy system, due to the potential of obtaining high efficiencies. Fuel cell technology is, howev er, still at a pre-commercial stage. High cost and short cell lifetimes constitute the main obstacles for commercialization. The same applies also for PEM electrolysis cells, which are closer to commerzialisation. Enhanced lifetime is therefore one of th e major research areas of PEM systems today. Great emphasis is put on a better understanding of the degradation processes. Degradation of PEM cells is identified as a highly prioritized research area within the Research Group of Energy Conversion, SINTE F. The intention of this project is to establish cooperation between SINTEF and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA, one of the leading institutions world-wide in the area of development of PEM fuel cells, in particular degradation of PEM fuel cells.