A Gerischer phase element in the impedance diagram of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell anode.

We study the isothermal hydrogen adsorption and reaction at the E-TEK electrode of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell with a Nafion 117 membrane by impedance spectroscopy at 30 degrees C. We find that the impedance diagram must include a Gerischer phase element. Constant phase elements are not sufficient to describe the experimental data. This means that an adsorption reaction takes place in combination with surface diffusion of hydrogen in the carbon layer located before the platinum surface, separate from the charge transfer step at the platinum particle surface. We are not able to distinguish between molecular or atomic hydrogen diffusion on carbon. We predict and find that the relaxation time of the adsorption step is independent of the applied potential. Water may also enter rate-limiting steps in the electrode reaction, but its role needs further clarification.