Parametric review on Fuel Cells and their Applications

Abstract

This study aims to review the issues affecting the long term performance and the life span of the fuel cell in accordance with the various surveys of the currently available. According to current research, parameters such as temperature, pressure along with other issues such as fuel and oxidant starvation (stoichiometric effect), corrosion, poor water management, humidity, and uncontrolled chemical reactions are some of the reasons leading to poor performance in the fuel cell. Poor water management can either lead to flooding or dehydration, both of which are extremely detrimental for the longevity of the fuel cell since the former facilitates corrosion of electrodes, membrane and catalyst layers whereas the latter leads to shrinkage of the membrane. Also, contamination of fuel cell membranes due to corrosion products or any impurities from outside leads to the poisoning of the cell. The construction of fuel cells in the future taking into consideration all these issues and mechanisms can lead to a performance-enhanced and long-lasting fuel cell.