The poor durability issue of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is a major concern in terms of their commercialization. To understand the degradation mechanism of the catalysts, an accelerated durability test (ADT) was conducted according to the protocol established by internationally accredited organizations. However, reversible and irreversible factors contributing to the loss of activity have not yet been practically segregated because of the limitations of a batch-type three-electrode system, leading to the misunderstanding of the deactivation mechanism. In this study, we investigated the effect of a fresh electrolyte on the ADT and recovery process. When the fresh electrolyte was used at every range of the cycle, the chances of incorrect detection of dissolved CO and Pt ions in the electrolyte were very low. When the same electrolyte was used throughout the test, the accumulated Pt ions were deposited on the surface of the Pt nanoparticles or carbon support, affording an increased electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of Pt. Therefore, we believe that periodic replacement by a fresh electrolyte or a continuous-flow electrolyte is essential for the precise determination of the structural and electrochemical changes in Pt/C catalysts.

    Abstract
    1 Introduction
    2 Experimental
        2.1 Electrode preparation and electrochemical measurements
        2.2 ADT protocol
        2.3 Characterization
    3 Results and discussion
    4 Conclusions
    Acknowledgements 
    References

• Han‑Ik Joh(Department of Energy Engineering, Konkuk University)
• Hae Ri Lee(Department of Energy Engineering, Konkuk University)
• U.‑Hyeok Son(Department of Energy Engineering, Konkuk University)
• Dae Soon Im(Department of Energy Engineering, Konkuk University)
• Han Young Kim(Department of Energy Engineering, Konkuk University)