View in EDS

Deciphering the long-term failure mechanism of the sealing framework in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell by assessing multi-stress degradation under accelerated simulated operating conditions.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Deciphering the long-term failure mechanism of the sealing framework in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell by assessing multi-stress degradation under accelerated simulated operating conditions.
Authors: Kim, Jin-Wook1 (AUTHOR), Park, Hye Ryeon1 (AUTHOR), Choi, Woo Jin1 (AUTHOR), Yun, Yeong Eun1 (AUTHOR), Lee, Jun Hyup1 (AUTHOR) junhyuplee@ssu.ac.kr
Source: Chemical Engineering Journal. Jun2026, Vol. 538, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Sealing (Technology), Proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Deterioration of materials, Thermocycling, Chemical decomposition kinetics, Failure mode & effects analysis, Electrochemical analysis, Accelerated life testing
Abstract: While proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are eco-friendly and sustainable energy sources that address environmental issues associated with fossil-fuel consumption, their membrane electrode assemblies are often poorly bonded to other key components. Herein, we elucidated the long-term failure mechanism of the sealing framework in a PEMFC by assessing multi-stress degradation under accelerated simulated operating conditions. A comprehensive stress protocol that applies voltage under both acidic and Fenton conditions along with thermal cycling was used to examine interfacial integrity over time. Peel-strength measurements, combined with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and water uptake analyses, revealed progressive shifts in degradation mode. Electrochemical oxidation and electro-osmosis led to deterioration that was initially localized at the adhesive–membrane interface, after which the structure of the membrane–membrane interface weakened during prolonged exposure. Chemical degradation was significantly accelerated by Fenton-induced hydroxyl radicals, whereas the electrochemical response was modulated by thermal cycling, leading to a deviation in the failure trajectory even when stressed by constant-voltage conditions. These findings highlight how chemical, thermal, and electrochemical stressors synergistically influence the durability of PEMFC sealing components and may serve as a foundational reference for developing highly durable sealing materials for next-generation fuel cell systems. [Display omitted] • The long-term failure mechanism of the PEMFC sealing framework is elucidated. • Degradation is governed by chemical, thermal, and electrochemical stressors. • The electrochemical weakening of the adhesive–membrane interface is initiated. • The degradation pathway shifts toward the membrane–membrane interface of the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Chemical Engineering Journal is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:While proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are eco-friendly and sustainable energy sources that address environmental issues associated with fossil-fuel consumption, their membrane electrode assemblies are often poorly bonded to other key components. Herein, we elucidated the long-term failure mechanism of the sealing framework in a PEMFC by assessing multi-stress degradation under accelerated simulated operating conditions. A comprehensive stress protocol that applies voltage under both acidic and Fenton conditions along with thermal cycling was used to examine interfacial integrity over time. Peel-strength measurements, combined with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and water uptake analyses, revealed progressive shifts in degradation mode. Electrochemical oxidation and electro-osmosis led to deterioration that was initially localized at the adhesive–membrane interface, after which the structure of the membrane–membrane interface weakened during prolonged exposure. Chemical degradation was significantly accelerated by Fenton-induced hydroxyl radicals, whereas the electrochemical response was modulated by thermal cycling, leading to a deviation in the failure trajectory even when stressed by constant-voltage conditions. These findings highlight how chemical, thermal, and electrochemical stressors synergistically influence the durability of PEMFC sealing components and may serve as a foundational reference for developing highly durable sealing materials for next-generation fuel cell systems. [Display omitted] • The long-term failure mechanism of the PEMFC sealing framework is elucidated. • Degradation is governed by chemical, thermal, and electrochemical stressors. • The electrochemical weakening of the adhesive–membrane interface is initiated. • The degradation pathway shifts toward the membrane–membrane interface of the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:13858947
DOI:10.1016/j.cej.2026.177005