  In this paper, we discuss critical aspects of the mechanisms and features of
polymer proton exchange membrane (PEM) degradation in low-temperature H2/O2
fuel cell. In this paper, we focused on chemical mechanism of OH radical
generation and their distribution in operational fuel cell. According to the
current concept, free radicals are generated from hydrogen and oxygen crossover
gases at the surface of Pt particles that precipitated in the membrane. We
explicitly calculate Pt precipitation rate and electrochemical potential
distribution in the membrane that controls it. Based on radical generation rate
and Pt distribution we calculate degradation rate of the membrane taking
advantage of simple kinetics equations.
