Feasible domain of cycling operating conditions and model parameters for Holby–Morgan model of platinum catalyst degradation in PEMFC.

In the paper, electrochemical behavior of platinum based cathode catalyst in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is studied under non-symmetric square-wave electric potential cycling applied in accelerated stress test. Following the modeling by Holby and Morgan, degradation due to Pt dissolution, ion diffusion, and oxide coverage is performed with respect to cycling operating conditions and model parameters. The computer simulation demonstrates impact of the electrochemical surface area loss rate under variation of the temperature, pH, platinum particle diameter, loading, Pt to Carbon volume fraction, and their simultaneous effect. From physical consistency and multi-parametric sensitivity analysis, a statement on feasible domain of the parameters for the PEMFC operation is concluded. • Holby–Morgan model of platinum electrochemical degradation in PEMFC is applied. • The catalyst degradation is calculated under EU FCH 2JU AST cycling protocol. • ECSA ratio loss rate is correlated with operating conditions and model parameters. • Sensitivity analysis gives feasible range of multiple variable parameters. • Temperature, pH, Pt particle diameter, loading, and Pt/C volume fraction are tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]