A review of electrode poisoning in fuel Cells: Strategies for mitigation and performance enhancement

Fuel cells present a hopeful future to produce clean energy in a range of applications, but their effectiveness is frequently affected by electrode poisoning. This article investigates some common types of electrodes poisoning that can occur in fuel cell systems, such as carbon, sulfur, hydrogen (in ammonia fuel cells), and chromium poisoning. We investigate the causes, effects and methods of reducing the harm for the forms of poisoning highlighted above, emphasizing the difficulties they present, and the approaches used to address them. This review seeks to gain insights into the phenomena of electrode poisoning and offer new directions for future research and development by collating newly emerging and already knowledge. By tackling the difficulties caused by electrode poisoning, we may enhance the dependability, effectiveness, and profitability of fuel cell technology, thereby contributing to a sustainable energy future. • Reviews electrode poisoning types in PEMFCs and SOFCs in detail. • Highlights catalyst degradation due to carbon, sulfur, and chromium. • Explores hydrogen poisoning in ammonia-fed fuel cells and mitigation. • Discusses strategies to improve fuel cell durability and performance.