ABSTRACT
Irreversible thermodynamics for bulk systems and surfaces is applied to the solid polymer fuel cell. The cell is composed of three bulk phases (the membrane and the electrodes) and two membrane-electrode interfaces. The electric potential profile in the cell is calculated, using literature data for the membrane and the electrode, for the isothermal, isobaric single, polymer fuel cell. The overpotential is defined. The temperature profile compatible with the emf measurement, is given for electrode backing materials that are thermostated on the outside.
