Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Activation Procedures
"You can re-humidify the MEA by soaking it in deionized water. Be aware that the membrane expands as it is hydrated, so it is possible that you will see some de-lamination of the gas diffusion electrode (GDE) from the membrane if you are using a 5-layer MEA that has the GDE bonded to it. This shouldn't significantly affect performance and you can still install the MEA into your stack or test cell even if portions of it are slightly de-laminated.
The other method to humidify the MEA is to install it in the stack or test cell and then run a break-in process in which it is operated in an air-starved mode periodically. Operate normally (with a suitable load applied) and then turn off the flow on the Air/Oxygen side until the power drops significantly and begins to settle out (around 5 minutes). Then reintroduce the air/oxygen flow until the power increases and stabilizes again. Repeat this as necessary until there are no further performance gains."
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