Novel X-Ray Imaging Techniques for Ex-Situ and Operando Study of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Normile, Stanley.
2018
-
Abstract: Polymer
electrolyte fuel cells are a promising clean alternative to conventional internal
combustion engines for transportation applications. Among the issues preventing
full-scale commercialization are the high cost of platinum (Pt), transport losses
associated with ionomer distribution in the catalyst layer, and management of the water
which is produced as a by-product of the fuel ... read morecell reaction. The morphology of the
catalyst layer plays an important role in the aforementioned challenges. X-ray computed
tomography (CT) is an ideal way to study this morphology as it is non-destructive and
can resolve structures on both the micro- and nano-scales. Presented here is a novel way
to image Pt and ionomer in catalyst layers using cesium staining and x-ray absorption
near edge spectroscopy (XANES). Additionally, this work focuses on overcoming barriers
in operando hardware design for synchrotron x-ray imaging, focusing on both micro- and
nano-scales, which will help explain the interplay between morphology and transport
processes, as well as water management. The fuel cells presented here show significant
promise, as they can combine the study of electrochemical performance with that of water
distribution in fuel cell components during
operation.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2018.
Submitted to the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor: Iryna Zenyuk.
Committee: Marc Hodes, and Matthew Panzer.
Keywords: Mechanical engineering, and Energy.read less - ID:
- wd3767705
- Component ID:
- tufts:25067
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
