Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells are considered among the most promising technologies for hydrogen utilization in both stationary and automotive applications, thanks to high energy density and near zero emissions during the entire life cycle. Nevertheless, the cost of its components – especially the catalyst and the membrane – is still consistent and prevents from the expected cost decrease predicted by the US Department of Energy. It is therefore essential to predict the effect of contaminants on PEMFC’s materials and to estimate the useful life. This work aims to collect and interpretate the results of the recent studies on catalyst contamination: a voltage degradation rate is defined as mV lost per operative hour under stressing conditions, at different contaminant concentrations, and current densities. The literature on this topic is consistent, but the absence of standards for the experimental tests under contaminated flows – regarding in particular the boundary conditions and the exposure time – makes it difficult to extrapolate the generic degradation trends and to compare the results of different works. Thanks to the results of the present study, some test protocols for future activities are defined and the generic effects of specific contaminants – as reported in literature – are issued.
