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Preliminary methodology assessment for PEMFC durability testing in transport applications.

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Title: Preliminary methodology assessment for PEMFC durability testing in transport applications.
Authors: Tamburello, Sara1 (AUTHOR) s.tamburello-1@tudelft.nl, Cirillo, Marco Russo2 (AUTHOR), Yakovlev, Yurii3 (AUTHOR), Matolínová, Iva3 (AUTHOR), Taccani, Rodolfo2 (AUTHOR), Coraddu, Andrea1 (AUTHOR), Bogar, Marco2 (AUTHOR), van Biert, Lindert1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Electrochimica Acta. Apr2026, Vol. 554, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Durability, Electrochemical analysis, Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Transportation industry, Maritime management, Impedance spectroscopy
Abstract: As Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) emerge as a promising technology for transport decarbonization, the development of durability assessment protocols tailored to specific applications, such as maritime operations, is becoming relevant for the identification of stressors and lifetime enhancement. This study presents a preliminary experimental campaign aimed at introducing a methodology to assess the degradation of PEMFCs subjected to Accelerated Stress Test (AST). In particular, the methodology encompasses the utilization of electrochemical characterization and, in this work, the fuel cell operating profile has been chosen to mimic the operation of a small passenger vessel. The tests were carried out on two single Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for 500 h. One membrane was subjected to the AST, and a second sample, tested under constant load operation, served as a reference. Periodic electrochemical characterization was conducted to assess performance degradation through polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical analysis of degradation was conducted through a dual-method approach combining model-free and model-based methods for impedance analysis, as well as catalyst active area evaluation from voltammograms. Results show that the dynamic operation characteristic of the passenger ferry increases degradation compared to constant operation, evidenced by increased ohmic and interfacial resistances and losses in catalyst active area. This work provides a framework for developing application-specific durability protocols, enriched with multi-method diagnostic approaches to assess PEMFC degradation under realistic maritime conditions. Such methodologies support the development of durability enhancement strategies tailored to maritime applications, allowing a broader application of the technology in the sector. • A novel PEMFC durability protocol based on a ship operating cycle. • Impedance analysis with a dual-approach combining model-free and model-based methods. • ECSA degradation trend evaluated from voltammograms. • Degradation is compared with a reference test operated at constant load. • A methodology that can be applied to different vessels and scaled up to stack tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:As Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) emerge as a promising technology for transport decarbonization, the development of durability assessment protocols tailored to specific applications, such as maritime operations, is becoming relevant for the identification of stressors and lifetime enhancement. This study presents a preliminary experimental campaign aimed at introducing a methodology to assess the degradation of PEMFCs subjected to Accelerated Stress Test (AST). In particular, the methodology encompasses the utilization of electrochemical characterization and, in this work, the fuel cell operating profile has been chosen to mimic the operation of a small passenger vessel. The tests were carried out on two single Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for 500 h. One membrane was subjected to the AST, and a second sample, tested under constant load operation, served as a reference. Periodic electrochemical characterization was conducted to assess performance degradation through polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical analysis of degradation was conducted through a dual-method approach combining model-free and model-based methods for impedance analysis, as well as catalyst active area evaluation from voltammograms. Results show that the dynamic operation characteristic of the passenger ferry increases degradation compared to constant operation, evidenced by increased ohmic and interfacial resistances and losses in catalyst active area. This work provides a framework for developing application-specific durability protocols, enriched with multi-method diagnostic approaches to assess PEMFC degradation under realistic maritime conditions. Such methodologies support the development of durability enhancement strategies tailored to maritime applications, allowing a broader application of the technology in the sector. • A novel PEMFC durability protocol based on a ship operating cycle. • Impedance analysis with a dual-approach combining model-free and model-based methods. • ECSA degradation trend evaluated from voltammograms. • Degradation is compared with a reference test operated at constant load. • A methodology that can be applied to different vessels and scaled up to stack tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00134686
DOI:10.1016/j.electacta.2026.148267