Abstract: A system and method for dehumidifying a fuel cell are provided. The system includes a fuel cell having an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. After the fuel cell is shutdown, water vapor may linger within the anode and cathode chambers. The system includes dehumidifier source containing a hygroscopic hydrolyzing chemical, such as sodium silica gel or sodium silicide. The dehumidifier source is operatively connected in selective fluid communication with the anode chamber. When the fuel cell is shutdown, air can be prevented from entering the anode chamber, and fluid communication between the dehumidifier source and the anode chamber is permitted such that the hygroscopic hydrolyzing chemical reacts with water vapor in the anode chamber to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen can be used to pressurize the anode and cathode chambers and to purge the anode chamber of contaminants and water vapor during fuel cell shutdown. The system can prolong the operational life of the fuel cell.