High-speed 4D neutron computed tomography for quantifying water dynamics in polymer electrolyte fuel cells

In recent years, low-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells have become an increasingly important pillar in a zero-carbon strategy for curbing climate change, with their potential to power multiscale stationary and mobile applications. The performance improvement is a particular focus of researc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature communications 2022-03, Vol.13 (1), p.1616-1616, Article 1616
Main Authors: Ziesche, Ralf F., Hack, Jennifer, Rasha, Lara, Maier, Maximilian, Tan, Chun, Heenan, Thomas M. M., Markötter, Henning, Kardjilov, Nikolay, Manke, Ingo, Kockelmann, Winfried, Brett, Dan J. L., Shearing, Paul R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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Applications programs
Climate change
Computed tomography
Electrolytes
Electrolytic cells
Evolution
Fuel cells
Fuel technology
High speed
Humanities and Social Sciences
Imaging techniques
Low temperature
Mobile computing
multidisciplinary
Parameter identification
Polymers
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Quantitative analysis
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Water management
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Summary:In recent years, low-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells have become an increasingly important pillar in a zero-carbon strategy for curbing climate change, with their potential to power multiscale stationary and mobile applications. The performance improvement is a particular focus of research and engineering roadmaps, with water management being one of the major areas of interest for development. Appropriate characterisation tools for mapping the evolution, motion and removal of water are of high importance to tackle shortcomings. This article demonstrates the development of a 4D high-speed neutron imaging technique, which enables a quantitative analysis of the local water evolution. 4D visualisation allows the time-resolved studies of droplet formation in the flow fields and water quantification in various cell parts. Performance parameters for water management are identified that offer a method of cell classification, which will, in turn, support computer modelling and the engineering of next-generation flow field designs. Characterisation of water dynamics in polymer electrolyte fuel cells is important for technology development. Here, the authors demonstrate a 4D neutron imaging technique, enabling quantitative analysis of the local water evolution, and identify performance parameters for water management.
ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723
DOI:10.1038/s41467-022-29313-5