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@INPROCEEDINGS{Jovanovic:1047388,
author = {Jovanovic, Sven and Rameker, Robert and Poc, Jean-Pierre
and Jodat, Eva and Karl, André and Eichel, Rüdiger-A. and
Granwehr, Josef},
title = {{A} novel perspective on accelerated degradation studies of
proton exchange membranes},
reportid = {FZJ-2025-04274},
year = {2025},
abstract = {Accelerated degradation studies are widely applied in
research on proton exchangemembranes (PEMs) for the
investigation of the origins and mechanisms of performance
lossfor electrolysis or fuel cell applications. In a
nutshell, it is reported in literature thatdegradation in
PEMs commonly occurs following Fenton-like reactions, where
in situ formedH2O2 reacts with transition metal cations to
produce radicals. These radicals then alter theionomer on a
chemical level by attacking particularly its polar side
chains, causing a loss offunctional moieties for proton
transport [1]. Fast degradation studies mimic and
promotethese conditions by subjecting PEMs to high
concentrations of H2O2 and Fe2+ cations atelevated
temperatures. However, these studies often exhibit
discrepancies when comparedto degradation occurring during
long-term operation [2].The presented work attempts to
elucidate these discrepancies by i)
addressinginconsistencies in accelerated degradation and
testing procedures, ii) studying thedependence of
degradation on PEM chemistry and structure and iii)
utilizing both NMRspectroscopy and SEM microscopy among
other techniques for a comprehensive picture.Hereby,
solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy
provides information onboth chemical and local structural
transformations of the PEM, while SEM offers
concreteinsights into structural changes on a microscopic
scale.The Fenton-like accelerated degradation experiments
were optimized for homogeneity andeffectiveness by
introducing the catalytic iron centers into the PEMs.
Additionally,interferences in the analytical techniques were
minimized by careful removal of excessreactants after
accelerated degradation. The combined analytical techniques
reveal thatchemical degradation in PEMs is significantly
less pronounced than suggested in literature,although
differences were observed depending on the type of PEM
material. Moreover,organic radicals that form during
Fenton-like reactions could not be detected by
EPRspectroscopy. However, all samples experienced
significant changes in the local structure,as indicated by
NMR relaxometry, and microscopic structure, as illustrated
by SEMtechniques. Thus, instead of chemical degradation, the
PEM may be affected on a structurallevel by mechanical
stress due to microscopic gas pockets and macroscopic
bubblesforming inside the gas impermeable material.[1] L.
Ghassemzadeh et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 135, 8181–8184
(2013).[2] J. Mališ et al., Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 41,
2177–2188 (2016).},
month = {Jul},
date = {2025-07-01},
organization = {European Electrolyser $\&$ Fuel Cell
Forum (EFCF), Lucerne (Switzerland), 1
Jul 2025 - 4 Jul 2025},
subtyp = {Panel discussion},
cin = {IET-1},
cid = {I:(DE-Juel1)IET-1-20110218},
pnm = {1231 - Electrochemistry for Hydrogen (POF4-123) / HITEC -
Helmholtz Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training in Energy and
Climate Research (HITEC) (HITEC-20170406)},
pid = {G:(DE-HGF)POF4-1231 / G:(DE-Juel1)HITEC-20170406},
typ = {PUB:(DE-HGF)24},
url = {https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/1047388},
}