Methods for preventing anode oxidation in a fuel cell

A method of preventing anode oxidation in a fuel cell (10) is disclosed comprising applying a negative current to an anode (30) of said fuel cell (10), such that the anode (30) is disposed in ionic communication with a cathode (50) through an electrolyte (40). Oxygen is transferred from the anode (30) through the electrolyte (40) to the cathode (50). A method preventing anode oxidation in a fuel cell (10) by storing and using a reformate and doping an anode (30) are also disclosed.