title: The detection of palladium particles in proton exchange membrane fuel-cell water by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).
abstract: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) using conditional data analysis was applied to aqueous suspensions of palladium particles in the reformate water of palladium-based proton exchange membrane fuel cells. A significant amount of palladium was found in the water, indicating degradation of the fuel-cell cathode catalytic layers. The palladium particle-size detection limit was found to be about 400 nm. Calibration procedures to quantify the palladium concentration are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Montana State University-Billings, 59101, USA. ssnyder@msubillings.edu
authors.forename: Stuart C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.forename: William G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Wickun
authors.forename: Jeremy M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Mode
authors.forename: Brian D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Gurney
authors.forename: Fred G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Michels