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Sablowski J, Zhao Z, Kupsch C. Ultrasonic Guided Waves for Liquid Water Localization in Fuel Cells: An Ex Situ Proof of Principle. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:8296. [PMID: 36365993 PMCID: PMC9656768 DOI: 10.3390/s22218296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Water management is a key issue in the design and operation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). For an efficient and stable operation, the accumulation of liquid water inside the flow channels has to be prevented. Existing measurement methods for localizing water are limited in terms of the integration and application of measurements in operating PEMFC stacks. In this study, we present a measurement method for the localization of liquid water based on ultrasonic guided waves. Using a sparse sensing array of four piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS), the measurement requires only minor changes in the PEMFC cell design. The measurement method is demonstrated with ex situ measurements for water drop localization on a single bipolar plate. The wave propagation of the guided waves and their interaction with water drops on different positions of the bipolar plate are investigated. The complex geometry of the bipolar plate leads to complex guided wave responses. Thus, physical modeling of the wave propagation and tomographic methods are not suitable for the localization of the water drops. Using machine learning methods, it is demonstrated that the position of a water drop can be obtained from the guided wave responses despite the complex geometry of the bipolar plate. Our results show standard deviations of 4.2 mm and 3.3 mm in the x and y coordinates, respectively. The measurement method shows high potential for in situ measurements in PEMFC stacks as well as for other applications that require deposit localization on geometrically complex waveguides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Sablowski
- Measurement, Sensor and Embedded Systems Laboratory, Institute of Electrical Engineering, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Winklerstrasse 5, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
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2
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Zhang H, Rahman MA, Mojica F, Sui P, Chuang PA. A comprehensive two-phase proton exchange membrane fuel cell model coupled with anisotropic properties and mechanical deformation of the gas diffusion layer. Electrochim Acta 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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3
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Higuchi Y, Setoyama D, Isegawa K, Tsuchikawa Y, Matsumoto Y, Parker JD, Shinohara T, Nagai Y. Pulsed neutron imaging for differentiation of ice and liquid water towards fuel cell vehicle applications. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:1062-1071. [PMID: 33346285 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp03887c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study is the first report on liquid water and ice imaging conducted at a pulsed spallation neutron source facility. Neutron imaging can be utilised to visualise the water distribution inside polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Particularly, energy-resolved neutron imaging is a methodology capable of distinguishing between liquid water and ice, and is effective for investigating ice formation in PEFCs operating in a subfreezing environment. The distinction principle is based on the fact that the cross sections of liquid water and ice differ from each other at low neutron energies. In order to quantitatively observe transient freezing and thawing phenomena in a multiphase mixture (gas/liquid/solid) within real PEFCs with high spatial resolution, a pulsed neutron beam with both high intensity and wide energy range is most appropriate. In the validation study of the present work, we used water sealed in narrow capillary tubes to simulate the flow channels of a PEFC, and a pulsed neutron beam was applied to distinguish ice, liquid water and super-cooled water, and to clarify freezing and thawing phenomena of the water within the capillary tubes. Moreover, we have enabled the observation of liquid water/ice distributions in a large field of view (300 mm × 300 mm) by manufacturing a sub-zero environment chamber that can be cooled down to -30 °C, as a step towards in situ visualisation of full-size fuel cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Higuchi
- Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc., Nagakute, Aichi 480-1192, Japan.
| | - Daigo Setoyama
- Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc., Nagakute, Aichi 480-1192, Japan.
| | | | | | - Yoshihiro Matsumoto
- Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society (CROSS), Tokai 319-1106, Japan
| | - Joseph Don Parker
- Comprehensive Research Organization for Science and Society (CROSS), Tokai 319-1106, Japan
| | | | - Yasutaka Nagai
- Toyota Central R&D Labs., Inc., Nagakute, Aichi 480-1192, Japan.
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4
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Babu SK, Spernjak D, Mukundan R, Hussey DS, Jacobson DL, Chung HT, Wu G, Steinbach AJ, Litster S, Borup RL, Zelenay P. Understanding water management in platinum group metal-free electrodes using neutron imaging. JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES 2020; 472:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2020.228442. [PMID: 34848919 PMCID: PMC8628569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2020.228442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts are a low-cost alternative to expensive PGM catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. However, due to the low volumetric activity of PGM-free catalysts, the catalyst layer thickness of the PGM-free catalyst electrode is an order of magnitude higher than PGM based electrodes. The thick PGM-free electrodes suffer from increased transport resistance and poor water management, which ultimately limits the fuel cell performance. This manuscript presents the study of water management in the PGM-free electrodes to understand the transport limitations and improve fuel cell performance. In-operando neutron imaging is performed to estimate the water content in different components across the fuel cell thickness. Water saturation in thick PGM electrodes, with similar catalyst layer thickness to PGM-free electrodes, is lower than in the PGM-free electrodes irrespective of the operating conditions, due to high water retention by PGM-free catalysts. Improvements in fuel cell performance are accomplished by enhancing water removal from the flooded PGM-free electrode in three ways: (i) enhanced water removal with a novel microporous layer with hydrophilic pathways incorporated through hydrophilic additives, (ii) water removal through anode via novel GDL in the anode, and (iii) lower water saturation in PGM-free electrode structures with increased catalyst porosity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dusan Spernjak
- MPA-11, MPA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | | | - Daniel S. Hussey
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA
| | - David L. Jacobson
- Physical Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA
| | - Hoon T. Chung
- MPA-11, MPA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Andrew J. Steinbach
- 3M Company, Fuel Cell Components Program, 3M Center, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Shawn Litster
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Rod L. Borup
- MPA-11, MPA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
| | - Piotr Zelenay
- MPA-11, MPA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA
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5
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Segmented Printed Circuit Board Electrode for Locally-resolved Current Density Measurements in All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. BATTERIES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/batteries5020038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
One of the most important parameters for the design of redox flow batteries is a uniform distribution of the electrolyte solution over the complete electrode area. The performance of redox flow batteries is usually investigated by general measurements of the cell in systematic experimental studies such as galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling. Local inhomogeneity within the electrode cannot be locally-resolved. In this study a printed circuit board (PCB) with a segmented current collector was integrated into a 40 cm2 all-vanadium redox flow battery to analyze the locally-resolved current density distribution of the graphite felt electrode. Current density distribution during charging and discharging of the redox flow battery indicated different limiting influences. The local current density in redox flow batteries mainly depends on the transport of the electrolyte solution. Due to this correlation, the electrolyte flow in the porous electrode can be visualized. A PCB electrode can easily be integrated into the flow battery and can be scaled to nearly any size of the electrode area. The carbon coating of the PCB enables direct contact to the corrosive electrolyte, whereby the sensitivity of the measurement method is increased compared to state-of-the-art methods.
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6
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Donzel L, Mannes D, Hagemeister M, Lehmann E, Hovind J, Kardjilov N, Grünzweig C. Space-resolved study of binder burnout process in dry pressed ZnO ceramics by neutron imaging. Ann Ital Chir 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Morgano M, Trtik P, Meyer M, Lehmann EH, Hovind J, Strobl M. Unlocking high spatial resolution in neutron imaging through an add-on fibre optics taper. OPTICS EXPRESS 2018; 26:1809-1816. [PMID: 29402049 DOI: 10.1364/oe.26.001809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The demand for high resolution neutron imaging has been steadily increasing over the past years. The number of facilities offering cutting edge resolution is however limited, due to (i) the design complexity of an optimized device able to reach a resolution in the order of ≈ 10 μm and (ii) limitations in available neutron flux. Here we propose a simple addition, based on a Fibre Optics Taper (FOT), that can be easily attached to an already existing scintillator-camera imaging detector in order to efficiently increase its spatial resolution and hence boost the capability of an instrument into high resolution applications.
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8
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Effect of gas diffusion layer properties on water distribution across air-cooled, open-cathode polymer electrolyte fuel cells: A combined ex-situ X-ray tomography and in-operando neutron imaging study. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.06.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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9
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Spatially Non-Uniform Degradation of Pt/C Cathode Catalysts in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Imaged by Combination of Nano XAFS and STEM-EDS Techniques. Top Catal 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11244-016-0691-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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10
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Meyer Q, Ashton S, Torija S, Gurney C, Boillat P, Cochet M, Engebretsen E, Finegan DP, Adcock P, Shearing PR, Brett DJ. Nitrogen Blanketing and Hydrogen Starvation in Dead-Ended-Anode Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Revealed by Hydro-Electro-Thermal Analysis. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Nishida K. Optical Visualization and Spectroscopic Techniques for Probing Water Transport in a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell. ChemElectroChem 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201500135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Nishida
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering; Kyoto Institute of Technology; Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku Kyoto 606-8585 Japan
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12
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The Hydro-electro-thermal Performance of Air-cooled, Open-cathode Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: Combined Localised Current Density, Temperature and Water Mapping. Electrochim Acta 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2015.08.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Takao S, Sekizawa O, Samjeské G, Nagamatsu SI, Kaneko T, Yamamoto T, Higashi K, Nagasawa K, Uruga T, Iwasawa Y. Same-View Nano-XAFS/STEM-EDS Imagings of Pt Chemical Species in Pt/C Cathode Catalyst Layers of a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell. J Phys Chem Lett 2015; 6:2121-2126. [PMID: 26266513 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.5b00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We have made the first success in the same-view imagings of 2D nano-XAFS and TEM/STEM-EDS under a humid N2 atmosphere for Pt/C cathode catalyst layers in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) with Nafion membrane to examine the degradation of Pt/C cathodes by anode gas exchange cycles (start-up/shut-down simulations of PEFC vehicles). The same-view imaging under the humid N2 atmosphere provided unprecedented spatial information on the distribution of Pt nanoparticles and oxidation states in the Pt/C cathode catalyst layer as well as Nafion ionomer-filled nanoholes of carbon support in the wet MEA, which evidence the origin of the formation of Pt oxidation species and isolated Pt nanoparticles in the nanohole areas of the cathode layer with different Pt/ionomer ratios, relevant to the degradation of PEFC catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinobu Takao
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Oki Sekizawa
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Gabor Samjeské
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Nagamatsu
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Takuma Kaneko
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamoto
- ‡Department of Mathematical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokushima, Minamijosanjima, Tokushima 770-8502, Japan
| | - Kotaro Higashi
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Kensaku Nagasawa
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Tomoya Uruga
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- §Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Spring-8, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Iwasawa
- †Innovation Research Center for Fuel Cells, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
- ∥Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Information Engineering Science, The University of Electro-Communications, Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
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14
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Nishimura A, Mahadi AH, Osada K, Baba M, Hirota M. Heat and Mass Transfer Characteristics in Single-Cell of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Operated at Higher Temperature than Usual. KAGAKU KOGAKU RONBUN 2015. [DOI: 10.1252/kakoronbunshu.41.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nishimura
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
| | - Amir Hakimi Mahadi
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
| | - Kotaro Osada
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
| | - Masashi Baba
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
| | - Masafumi Hirota
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
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15
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Nishimura A, Fukuoka T, Baba M, Hirota M, Hu E. Clarification on Temperature Distribution in Single Cell of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell under Different Operation Conditions by Means of 1D Multi-Plate Heat-Transfer Model. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING OF JAPAN 2015. [DOI: 10.1252/jcej.14we200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nishimura
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
| | - Takenori Fukuoka
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
| | - Masashi Baba
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
| | - Masafumi Hirota
- Division of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University
| | - Eric Hu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Adelaide
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16
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Tada M, Uruga T, Iwasawa Y. Key Factors Affecting the Performance and Durability of Cathode Electrocatalysts in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Characterized by In Situ Real Time and Spatially Resolved XAFS Techniques. Catal Letters 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10562-014-1428-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Takao S, Sekizawa O, Nagamatsu SI, Kaneko T, Yamamoto T, Samjeské G, Higashi K, Nagasawa K, Tsuji T, Suzuki M, Kawamura N, Mizumaki M, Uruga T, Iwasawa Y. Mapping Platinum Species in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells by Spatially Resolved XAFS Techniques. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201408845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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18
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Takao S, Sekizawa O, Nagamatsu SI, Kaneko T, Yamamoto T, Samjeské G, Higashi K, Nagasawa K, Tsuji T, Suzuki M, Kawamura N, Mizumaki M, Uruga T, Iwasawa Y. Mapping Platinum Species in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells by Spatially Resolved XAFS Techniques. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:14110-4. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201408845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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19
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Biesdorf J, Oberholzer P, Bernauer F, Kaestner A, Vontobel P, Lehmann EH, Schmidt TJ, Boillat P. Dual spectrum neutron radiography: identification of phase transitions between frozen and liquid water. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 112:248301. [PMID: 24996112 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.112.248301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this Letter, a new approach to distinguish liquid water and ice based on dual spectrum neutron radiography is presented. The distinction is based on arising differences between the cross section of water and ice in the cold energy range. As a significant portion of the energy spectrum of the ICON beam line at Paul Scherrer Institut is in the thermal energy range, no differences can be observed with the entire beam. Introducing a polycrystalline neutron filter (beryllium) inside the beam, neutrons above its cutoff energy are filtered out and the cold energy region is emphasized. Finally, a contrast of about 1.6% is obtained with our imaging setup between liquid water and ice. Based on this measurement concept, the temporal evolution of the aggregate state of water can be investigated without any prior knowledge of its thickness. Using this technique, we could unambiguously prove the production of supercooled water inside fuel cells with a direct measurement method.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Biesdorf
- Electrochemistry Laboratory (ECL), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - P Oberholzer
- Electrochemistry Laboratory (ECL), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - F Bernauer
- Electrochemistry Laboratory (ECL), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - A Kaestner
- Neutron Imaging and Activation Group (NIAG), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - P Vontobel
- Neutron Imaging and Activation Group (NIAG), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - E H Lehmann
- Neutron Imaging and Activation Group (NIAG), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - T J Schmidt
- Neutron Imaging and Activation Group (NIAG), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - P Boillat
- Electrochemistry Laboratory (ECL), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland and Neutron Imaging and Activation Group (NIAG), Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
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20
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Hickner MA, Herring AM, Coughlin EB. Anion exchange membranes: Current status and moving forward. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.23395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Hickner
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering; The Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Andrew M. Herring
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Colorado School of Mines; Golden Colorado 80401
| | - E. Bryan Coughlin
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering; University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst Massachusetts 01003
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21
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Markötter H, Haußmann J, Alink R, Tötzke C, Arlt T, Klages M, Riesemeier H, Scholta J, Gerteisen D, Banhart J, Manke I. Influence of cracks in the microporous layer on the water distribution in a PEM fuel cell investigated by synchrotron radiography. Electrochem commun 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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22
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Ogawa K, Yokouchi Y, Haishi T, Ito K. Development of an eight-channel NMR system using RF detection coils for measuring spatial distributions of current density and water content in the PEM of a PEFC. JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. : 1997) 2013; 234:147-153. [PMID: 23876781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The water generation and water transport occurring in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) can be estimated from the current density generated in the PEFC, and the water content in the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). In order to measure the spatial distributions and time-dependent changes of current density generated in a PEFC and the water content in a PEM, we have developed an eight-channel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system. To detect a NMR signal from water in a PEM at eight positions, eight small planar RF detection coils of 0.6 mm inside diameter were inserted between the PEM and the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in a PEFC. The local current density generated at the position of the RF detection coil in a PEFC can be calculated from the frequency shift of the obtained NMR signal due to an additional magnetic field induced by the local current density. In addition, the water content in a PEM at the position of the RF detection coil can be calculated by the amplitude of the obtained NMR signal. The time-dependent changes in the spatial distributions were measured at 4 s intervals when the PEFC was operated with supply gas under conditions of fuel gas utilization of 0.67 and relative humidity of the fuel gas of 70%RH. The experimental result showed that the spatial distributions of the local current density and the water content in the PEM within the PEFC both fluctuated with time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuniyasu Ogawa
- Keio University, Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan.
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23
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Weiland M, Boillat P, Oberholzer P, Kaestner A, Lehmann E, Schmidt T, Scherer G, Reichl H. High resolution neutron imaging for pulsed and constant load operation of passive self-breathing polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Electrochim Acta 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2012.09.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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24
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Hara M, Inukai J, Bae B, Hoshi T, Miyatake K, Uchida M, Uchida H, Watanabe M. Micro-Raman study on water distribution inside a Nafion membrane during operation of polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Electrochim Acta 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2012.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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25
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Mishler J, Wang Y, Mukundan R, Spendelow J, Hussey DS, Jacobson DL, Borup RL. Probing the water content in polymer electrolyte fuel cells using neutron radiography. Electrochim Acta 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2012.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Subfreezing operation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells: Ice formation and cell performance loss. Electrochim Acta 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2012.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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27
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Hara M, Inukai J, Miyatake K, Uchida H, Watanabe M. Temperature dependence of the water distribution inside a Nafion membrane in an operating polymer electrolyte fuel cell. A micro-Raman study. Electrochim Acta 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2011.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Yim SD, Sohn YJ, Park SH, Yoon YG, Park GG, Yang TH, Kim CS. Fabrication of microstructure controlled cathode catalyst layers and their effect on water management in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Electrochim Acta 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2011.05.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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29
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Investigation of 3D water transport paths in gas diffusion layers by combined in-situ synchrotron X-ray radiography and tomography. Electrochem commun 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2011.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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YASUDA R, NOJIMA T, IIKURA H, SAKAI T, MATSUBAYASHI M. Development of a Small-Aperture Slit System for a High Collimator Ratio at the Thermal Neutron Radiography Facility in JRR-3. J NUCL SCI TECHNOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/18811248.2011.9711794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lehmann EH, Oberholzer P, Boillat P. Neutron Imaging Methods for the Investigation of Energy Related Materials (Fuel Cells, Battery, Hydrogen Storage and Nuclear Fuel). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1557/proc-1262-w05-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis article underlines with examples of studies for energy related materials and processes how important and useful the technique of neutron imaging can be for our future energy supply. With the help of the particularly designed configurations for each such study it becomes possible to derive essential information for the material properties and their change in a non-invasive manner.The four mentioned examples (PEM fuel cell, Li-battery, hydrogen storage and nuclear fuel inspection) cover a very wide range of applications and demonstrate the high potential of the various used methods in neutron imaging.
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Investigation of liquid water in gas diffusion layers of polymer electrolyte fuel cells using X-ray tomographic microscopy. Electrochim Acta 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2010.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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TAKADA K, ISHIGAMI Y, HIRAKATA S, UCHIDA M, NAGUMO Y, INUKAI J, NISHIDE H, WATANABE M. Imaging of Water Droplets Formed during PEFC Operation on GDLs With Different Pore Sizes. ELECTROCHEMISTRY 2011. [DOI: 10.5796/electrochemistry.79.388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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YASUDA R, SHIOZAWA M, KATAGIRI M, TAKENAKA N, SAKAI T, HAYASHIDA H, MATSUBAYASHI M. Evaluation of Water Distribution in a Small-Sized PEFC by Neutron Radiography. ELECTROCHEMISTRY 2011. [DOI: 10.5796/electrochemistry.79.614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Tabuchi Y, Shiomi T, Aoki O, Kubo N, Shinohara K. Effects of heat and water transport on the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell under high current density operation. Electrochim Acta 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2010.08.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Brett DJL, Kucernak AR, Aguiar P, Atkins SC, Brandon NP, Clague R, Cohen LF, Hinds G, Kalyvas C, Offer GJ, Ladewig B, Maher R, Marquis A, Shearing P, Vasileiadis N, Vesovic V. What Happens Inside a Fuel Cell? Developing an Experimental Functional Map of Fuel Cell Performance. Chemphyschem 2010; 11:2714-31. [DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Turhan A, Kim S, Hatzell M, Mench MM. Impact of channel wall hydrophobicity on through-plane water distribution and flooding behavior in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Electrochim Acta 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2009.11.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Seyfang BC, Boillat P, Simmen F, Hartmann S, Frei G, Lippert T, Scherer GG, Wokaun A. Identification of liquid water constraints in micro polymer electrolyte fuel cells without gas diffusion layers. Electrochim Acta 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2009.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Neutron Imaging Resolution Improvements Optimized for Fuel Cell Applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3279636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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40
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Heller AK, Shi L, Brenizer JS, Mench MM. Three dimensional water and ice quantification using neutron imaging. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-009-0193-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Kim TJ, Kim JR, Sim CM, Lee SH, Son YJ, Kim MH. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES FOR WATER DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS IN PEMFC USING NEUTRON IMAGING TECHNIQUE AT CONRAD, HMI. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.5516/net.2009.41.1.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Samaras M, Victoria M, Hoffelner W. NUCLEAR ENERGY MATERIALS PREDICTION: APPLICATION OF THE MULTI-SCALE MODELLING PARADIGM. NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY 2009. [DOI: 10.5516/net.2009.41.1.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Flückiger R, Freunberger SA, Kramer D, Wokaun A, Scherer GG, Büchi FN. Anisotropic, effective diffusivity of porous gas diffusion layer materials for PEFC. Electrochim Acta 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2008.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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In situ observation of the water distribution across a PEFC using high resolution neutron radiography. Electrochem commun 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2008.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Diep J, Kiel D, St-Pierre J, Wong A. Development of a residence time distribution method for proton exchange membrane fuel cell evaluation. Chem Eng Sci 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2006.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Feindel KW, Bergens SH, Wasylishen RE. The influence of membrane electrode assembly water content on the performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell as investigated by 1H NMR microscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2007; 9:1850-7. [PMID: 17415498 DOI: 10.1039/b617551a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The relation between the performance of a self-humidifying H(2)/O(2) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and the amount and distribution of water as observed using (1)H NMR microscopy was investigated. The integrated (1)H NMR image signal intensity (proportional to water content) from the region of the polymer electrolyte membrane between the catalyst layers was found to correlate well with the power output of the fuel cell. Several examples are provided which demonstrate the sensitivity of the (1)H NMR image intensity to the operating conditions of the fuel cell. Changes in the O(2)(g) flow rate cause predictable trends in both the power density and the image intensity. Higher power densities, achieved by decreasing the resistance of the external circuit, were found to increase the water in the PEM. An observed plateau of both the power density and the integrated (1)H NMR image signal intensity from the membrane electrode assembly and subsequent decline of the power density is postulated to result from the accumulation of H(2)O(l) in the gas diffusion layer and cathode flow field. The potential of using (1)H NMR microscopy to obtain the absolute water content of the polymer electrolyte membrane is discussed and several recommendations for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk W Feindel
- Department of Chemistry, Gunning/Lemieux Chemistry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2G2
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Cai Y, Hu J, Ma H, Yi B, Zhang H. Effect of water transport properties on a PEM fuel cell operating with dry hydrogen. Electrochim Acta 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2006.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Zhang J, Kramer D, Shimoi R, Ono Y, Lehmann E, Wokaun A, Shinohara K, Scherer GG. In situ diagnostic of two-phase flow phenomena in polymer electrolyte fuel cells by neutron imaging. Electrochim Acta 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2005.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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50
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Feindel KW, Bergens SH, Wasylishen RE. The Use of1H NMR Microscopy to Study Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. Chemphyschem 2006; 7:67-75. [PMID: 16345115 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.200500504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
To understand proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) better, researchers have used several techniques to visualize their internal operation. This Concept outlines the advantages of using 1H NMR microscopy, that is, magnetic resonance imaging, to monitor the distribution of water in a working PEMFC. We describe what a PEMFC is, how it operates, and why monitoring water distribution in a fuel cell is important. We will focus on our experience in constructing PEMFCs, and demonstrate how 1H NMR microscopy is used to observe the water distribution throughout an operating hydrogen PEMFC. Research in this area is briefly reviewed, followed by some comments regarding challenges and anticipated future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk W Feindel
- Department of Chemistry, Gunning/Lemieux Chemistry Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
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