Patent ID: 7419732
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02P,Y02W,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of reducing catalyst dissolution in the cathode of a membrane electrode assembly fuel cell, said method comprising the steps of: a. preparing a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between said anode and said cathode; b. assembling a fuel cell using said membrane electrode assembly; c. applying a fluid comprising an oxidant to said cathode of said membrane electrode assembly; d. applying a fluid comprising a fuel to said anode of said membrane electrode assembly; and e. supplying a sufficient quantity of reducing agent different from said fluid comprising an oxidant to said cathode to maintain the average open-circuit voltage of said cathode at less than about 0.98 V.