Potential Distribution Measurement in PEFC Electrolyte Membrane for Membrane Degradation Analysis

Potential distribution in the electrolyte membrane in the MEA of PEFC has been measured in order to help understand a recently suggested membrane degradation mechanism caused by Pt band. A thin metallic probe, Pt or Au, is inserted in membrane to measure the potential distribution. The measured profile shows abrupt change at certain position, and the position is influenced by the operation and cell design parameters. A simple theoretical model to predict the potential distribution is developed and showed good agreement with experimental results.