Abstract In this paper, the mechanism of the destruction triggering of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of hydrogen fuel cell is studied. It is proposed that electrochemical destruction is the main cause of MEA failure and the result of other damages. Electron microscopy experiments are carried out on the MEA after 20 h of operation, the MEA after clamping, and the MEA after water immersion freezing, then the trigger role of mechanical destruction and thermal destruction in MEA is revealed. The analysis shows that the mechanical destruction, thermal destruction, electrochemical destruction and the internal mass transfer process of the MEA are coupled to each other to cause MEA destruction. Mechanical and thermal damage play a trigger role in the ultimate destruction and failure of the MEA, which will affect the flow mass transfer process, the flux of the working gasses in the MEA is abnormally increased, resulting in further component destruction and negative electrochemical reaction. Preventing MEA from mechanical and thermal destruction plays a key part of improving its durability. On the one hand, the external clamping should avoid stress points in the MEA area to minimize the external stress. On the other hand, the proton exchange membrane requires lower swelling rate and proper drainage measures in the off state.

中文翻译：

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氢燃料电池膜电极组件破坏触发机制研究

摘要 本文研究了氢燃料电池膜电极组件（MEA）的破坏触发机制。提出电化学破坏是MEA失效的主要原因和其他损坏的结果。分别对运行20 h后的MEA、夹紧后的MEA和水浸冷冻后的MEA进行电镜实验，揭示了MEA中机械破坏和热破坏的触发作用。分析表明MEA的机械破坏、热破坏、电化学破坏和内部传质过程相互耦合导致MEA破坏。机械和热损伤在 MEA 的最终破坏和失效中起触发作用，这将影响流动传质过程，MEA中工作气体的通量异常增加，导致进一步的元件破坏和负电化学反应。防止 MEA 受到机械和热破坏是提高其耐用性的关键部分。一方面，外部夹紧应避开 MEA 区域的应力点，以尽量减少外部应力。另一方面，质子交换膜在关闭状态下需要较低的溶胀率和适当的排水措施。