Investigation of the Degradation Phenomena of a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Stack by Successive Replacement of Aged Components in Single Cells

Due to their compactness and high flexibility to operate under dynamic conditions, proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are ideal systems for the production of green hydrogen from renewable energy sources. For the widespread implementation of PEMWEs, an understanding of their degradation mechanism is crucial. In this work, we analyze a commercial PEMWE stack via a novel approach of breaking down from the stack to the single-cell level. Therefore, the disassembled stack components are cut to fit into single cells. Then, the aged components are successively replaced with pristine or regenerated components (cleaned and polished), and electrochemical characterizations are conducted to investigate the contributions of the individual components on performance losses. In addition, several underlying degradation phenomena are identified using different physical ex-situ analysis methods. The catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) contributes the most to performance degradation because of contamination and ionomer rearrangement. Additionally, traces of calcium, likely due to insufficient water purification used during operation or for cleaning the cell components, were found. Significant oxidation was observed on the anodic components, while the electronic conductivity on the cathode side remained unchanged. The combination of electrochemical characterization with stepwise regeneration processes and physical ex-situ analysis allows to draw conclusions about the impact of different components on degradation and to analyze the underlying aging mechanisms occurring in each component.