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Automotive Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (7): 1238-1257.doi: 10.19562/j.chinasae.qcgc.2025.07.002

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Overview of Research Progress on Hydrogen Permeation in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Mitigation Measures

Jixuan Lu1,Weibo Zheng2,Xiang Li3,Qianqian Wang1(),Bing Li2,Pingwen Ming2   

  1. 1.School of Energy and Power Engineering,University of Shanghai for Science and Technology,Shanghai 200093
    2.School of Automotive Studies,Tongji University,Shanghai 200092
    3.School of Automotive Studies,Anhui University of Science and Technology,Hefei 231100
  • Received:2025-04-01 Revised:2025-04-25 Online:2025-07-25 Published:2025-07-18
  • Contact: Qianqian Wang E-mail:qianqianwang@usst.edu.cn

Abstract:

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) demonstrate significant potential as a new automotive power source. However, the problem of hydrogen permeation has become increasingly apparent during long-term operation, posing an important technical challenge that restricts the large-scale commercial application. Hydrogen permeation not only decreases the output voltage of PEMFCs but may also negatively impact the durability and safety of the fuel cells. To address this issue, in this paper the research progress on hydrogen permeation in PEMFCs based on existing studies is systematically summarized. Firstly, in the paper the basic principles of hydrogen permeation and its potential hazards are elaborated. Then, the transfer mechanism of hydrogen permeation before and after membrane degradation is analyzed and the latest development in permeation models is reviews. Finally, in the paper currently effective suppression measures considering the principles of hydrogen permeation are summarized and future research trends are discussed. This paper aims to provide theoretical support for enhancing the performance of PEMFCs, extending their service life, and improving system safety.

Key words: proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), hydrogen permeation, long-term operation, membrane degradation, suppression measures