Abstract:

The coupling of renewable energy sources, especially hydrogen, and electricity can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the energy transition of the power grid. Fuel cells and electrolysis cells are two key energy conversion devices in renewable energy generation. The equipment based on proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology has received widespread attention due to its excellent fluctuation adaptability and high current density during operation, but the high cost and poor durability are important factors limiting its further commercialization. In this paper, the composition and functions of key components in PEM fuel cells and PEM electrolysis cells, such as the exchange membrane, catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer (porous transport layer) and bipolar plate, are briefly clarified. Then, the performance degradation mechanism of each component is described, and it can be concluded that chemical degradation is the more common mechanism, followed by mechanical and thermal ones. In particular, the high potential, high temperature, acidic and oxidizing environment in which the anode of the electrolysis cell operates significantly reduces the durability of the carbon material, and the precious metal coating applied to metal materials raises the cost of using PEM electrolysis cells. Finally, the degradation mitigation measures for each component are summarized and the prospects for future direction of material adjustment and optimization of the fuel cells and electrolysis cells are provided.

Key words: fuel cell, electrolysis cell, proton exchange membrane technology, key components, degradation mechanism, mitigation measure

摘要：

可再生能源，尤其是氢能，通过与电能耦合可以减少碳排放，并且促进电网实现能源转型。燃料电池和电解槽是氢电耦合系统中关键的能量转换装置，其中基于质子交换膜技术的设备因运行时优异的波动适应性和很高的电流密度受到广泛关注，但成本高和耐久性差是制约其进一步商业化的关键因素。本文首先简要介绍了质子交换膜燃料电池和电解槽中关键组件，如质子交换膜、催化层、气体扩散层（多孔传输层）和双极板的组成和作用。然后，分别阐述了各个组件的衰减机理，分析认为化学衰减是更为常见的机理，机械衰减和热衰减次之。其中，电解槽阳极处于高电位、高温、强酸性和强氧化性的恶劣环境中，碳材料耐久性大幅下降，金属材料需要涂覆贵金属涂层，进一步使成本提高。最后，本文总结了针对各组件的衰减缓解措施，并对未来材料调整优化的方向进行展望。

关键词: 燃料电池, 电解槽, 质子交换膜技术, 关键组件, 衰减机理, 缓解措施