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Manufacturing-induced irregularities of membrane electrode assemblies: Impacts on proton exchange membrane fuel cells’ performance and diagnosis

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  • Wang, Min
  • Peng, Feng
  • Zou, Jiexin
  • Zhao, Wei
  • Wu, Mingbo
  • Williams, Mark C.
  • Yu, Guoxin
  • Wang, Haijiang

Abstract

As the key component of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) determine the cost, electrochemical performance and durability of PEMFCs to a large extent. Generation of irregularities during the MEA manufacturing processes might cause performance loss and shorten the lifetime of PEMFCs. Therefore, the development and utilization of quality control techniques are necessary for the commercial production of MEAs. In this review, current status of the cost and durability issues in PEMFCs are introduced. The causes of MEA irregularities during the manufacturing processes and their influences on PEMFCs’ performance are then expounded. Novel and advanced diagnostic techniques for detecting MEA irregularities are comprehensively discussed. This study aims to review the impact of manufacturing-induced MEA anomalies on quality control in the PEMFC industry and introduce existing diagnostic techniques for quality control of key materials in PEMFC hitherto. It would inspire practitioners to pay attention to the quality control of PEMFC industry, and provide a reference for industry product upgrading and production line optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Min & Peng, Feng & Zou, Jiexin & Zhao, Wei & Wu, Mingbo & Williams, Mark C. & Yu, Guoxin & Wang, Haijiang, 2025. "Manufacturing-induced irregularities of membrane electrode assemblies: Impacts on proton exchange membrane fuel cells’ performance and diagnosis," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:216:y:2025:i:c:s1364032125003806
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115707
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