Since the storage and transport of pure hydrogen present technological and logistical challenges, methanol serves as a suitable alternative. Through the reforming process, methanol is converted into reformate gas, which, in addition to hydrogen, contains impurities, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). These impurities negatively affect operational efficiency, therefore, this research focuses on High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (HT-PEMFC) technology, which better tolerates the presence of these inhibitors due to operating at elevated temperatures. A comparison of the response of two different membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) is conducted: one with a pre-doped and the other with a post-doped PBI membrane. The main objective of the research is to experimentally evaluate the impact of varying fractions of CO₂ and CO on the electrochemical characteristics of the fuel cell. The methodology entails systematic measurements during the introduction of inhibitors at operating temperatures of 160 °C and 170 °C. To characterize and separate the internal loss mechanisms, the following methods are employed: polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis.
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