Electrode and Catalyst Durability Requirements in Automotive PEM Applications: Technology Status of a Recent MEA Design and Next Generation Challenges

The functionality of fuel cell vehicles is continuously being improved by several automakers and efforts are being made to demonstrate performance, durability, efficiency and freeze start capability comparable to conventional vehicles. Recent results demonstrating acceptable operational performance, efficiency, freeze start capability and durability are shown and discussed. The main barrier preventing fuel cells from being competitive with conventional ICE is the high cost of the stack and system. For the stack, the key cost driver is catalyst loading. Requirements for future catalysts are presented, demonstrating the challenges and technology gaps following from a reduction of catalyst loadings as well as the use of Pt/Co based catalysts.