SOX and NOX impurities effect on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) for electric vehicle application

Exposure to polluted ambient air is inevitable in vehicular application of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). SO₂ and NO₂ are common pollutants which in individual are known to alter PEMFC performance for their presence in the oxidant, as indicated by preceding researchers. However, interacting effects of SO₂ and NO₂ in the oxidant on PEMFC have not been extensively studied. Concerning the vehicular application of PEMFC, durability issue related with SO₂ and NO₂ - poisoned PEMFC are also necessary to be studied in order to maintain the vehicle´s performance. Hence this research encompasses the poisoning effects of SO₂ and NO₂ on PEMFC performance. Polluted air resulted a significant decrease in performance of PEMFC.