Abstract
Despite the maturity of the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) technology, there is still a lack of understanding of long-term stability under dynamic load profiles associated with the use of renewable energy sources. Dissolution of the anode catalyst (IrOx) has been identified as one of the main causes of anode catalyst degradation and may be triggered by stressors as high potentials, high current densities, idle periods, presence of hydrogen at the anode or extensive cycling of potential (all found in the load profiles that real systems encounter). To elucidate the individual effect on catalyst degradation on single-cell level, we developed load profiles containing separate or a combination of these stressors, based on the harmonized protocols suggested by the JRC (European commission).