Start/Stop & Transient Catalyst Aging

What this topic covers

Why changing electrochemical conditions can accelerate catalyst and support degradation.

Core energy-system ideas

Transient operating conditions can expose catalyst layers to different electrochemical stresses than steady operation.

Repeated cycling can contribute to surface-area loss and support changes.

Durability testing should represent real duty cycles rather than only steady-state operation.

Important tradeoffs

Catalyst loading should be evaluated together with mass activity, transport, manufacturing and durability.

Material and performance evidence

Water, heat, gas purity and transient operation can change how effectively platinum catalyst layers perform.

Lifecycle perspective

The stack contains much more than platinum, so catalyst improvement does not eliminate balance-of-plant constraints.