In situ observations of water production and distribution in an operating H2/O2 PEM fuel cell assembly using 1H NMR microscopy.
Proton NMR imaging was used to investigate in situ the distribution of water in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell operating on H2 and O2. In a single experiment, water was monitored in the gas flow channels, the membrane electrode assembly, and in the membrane surrounding the catalysts. Radial gradient diffusion removes water from the catalysts into the surrounding membrane. This research demonstrates the strength of 1H NMR microscopy as an aid for designing fuel cells to optimize water management.
Feindel
Kirk W
KW
Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2.
LaRocque
Logan P-A
LP
Starke
Dieter
D
Bergens
Steven H
SH
Wasylishen
Roderick E
RE