This major qualifying project conducted at ENSIC in Nancy, France, seeks to investigate these effects by studying the degradation of a PEMFC operating at low voltage. This experiment achieved low voltage operation by short-circuiting the fuel cell using a copper bracket. The cell operated for a total of six weeks where weekly characterization tests were conducted to evaluate the health of the membrane. The degradation of the fuel cell MEA was characterized by polarization curves, impedance spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry, and cyclic voltammetry. Research determined that over the course of the experiment the performance of the fuel cell decreased. However, voltammetry testing indicated that the membrane and catalyst layer degraded little over the course of six weeks.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Kapelner, Sarah Beth
• Walls, Mercedes Lauren

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031915-091255

Advisor

• Kmiotek, Stephen J.

Year

• 2015

Center

• Nancy, France Project Center - MQP

Sponsor

• ENSIC

Date created

• 2015-03-19

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright