西安建筑科技大学教师个人主页 dingyujie--Home-- Modeling the non-uniform degradation of PEM fuel cell catalyst with a multi-scale framework based on population balance equation

Modeling the non-uniform degradation of PEM fuel cell catalyst with a multi-scale framework based on population balance equation

Release time:2026-10-07

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Key Words:: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell; Multi-scale modeling; Pt/C catalyst durability; Particle size distribution; Population balance equation

Abstract:: PEM fuel cell durability involves multi-scale interactions between discrete Pt nano particles kinetics and macroscopic continuum mechanics. The lack of understanding on Pt particles statistics system has limited the development of long-life fuel cell. A comprehensive multi-scale framework is proposed to investigate non-uniform degradation behavior under four main mechanisms, including Pt particle dissolution, redeposition, coagulation and detachment from carbon support. A population balance equation is established to relate the particle size distribution (PSD) function with different degradation mechanisms. The results indicate that particle radius tends to decrease at PEM side of cathode catalyst layer (CCL) and increase to larger size at the other side. The critical voltage for occurrence of through-plane non-uniform degradation is around 0.8 V. The difference values of PSD moments (SN, MN, rN and ECSAN) between two sides of CCL reach their maximums at 80 °C condition. Electrochemical dissolution is dominant mechanism under high temperature (90 °C) and low humidity (60 %) condition with 0.85 V. The Pt2+ reaction and transport processes are the main origin of non-uniform degradation. This work extends the application of particle statistical physics and benefits the design and operation of fuel cell.