Patent ID: 9099704
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for removing contaminants in a fuel cell comprising an anode comprising a first platinum-based electrocatalyst, a cathode comprising a second platinum-based electrocatalyst, and a polymer electrolyte interposed therebetween, the method comprising: supplying a hydrogen-based fuel to the anode; supplying a first oxidant to the cathode, wherein the first oxidant comprises at least some sulfur dioxide; drawing a primary load from the fuel cell stack while supplying the hydrogen-based fuel to the anode and the first oxidant to the cathode; shutting down the fuel cell when a voltage of the fuel cell is equal to or less than a threshold voltage at which sulfur crosses over from the cathode to the anode, wherein shutting down the fuel cell comprises: restarting the fuel cell.