FUEL CELLS – PROTON-EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELLS | Cells

A proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) unit cell consists of a proton exchange membrane, anode and cathode catalyst layers, gas diffusion layers, sealing elements, and flow fields. In this article, the operational principles of a PEMFC unit cell are discussed with respect to the basic functions and desirable qualities of these individual cell components. The current–voltage (polarization or performance) curve of a unit cell is analyzed with respect to losses from kinetic, thermodynamic, ohmic, concentration, short-circuit, and crossover polarizations. A brief overview of basic diagnostic tools and visualization techniques currently in practice for evaluation and characterization of a PEMFC unit cell is presented. The aspect of cell design is presented with respect to its end applications. The evolution of PEMFC performance is presented along with the developmental challenges that fuel cell component designers currently face toward commercializing this technology, including material selection, cost, and performance optimization. Finally, current approaches toward large-scale manufacturing of cell components and their assembly to functional unit cells are discussed.

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