Complementary investigations of fuel cells with synchrotron x-rays and neutrons

• Optimisation of water management in hydrogen PEM fuel cells
• Liquid water necessary for membrane humidification, but gas flow is hindered
• Optimal water distribution essential for high power output and longevity
• Imaging of water distribution in an operating fuel cell in real time, while applying realistic power profiles and environmental conditions
• Neutrons for investigations of a whole fuel cell, synchrotron x-rays for investigation of fine water accumulations in the porous gas diffusion layers.

Photo by courtesy of ZSW Ulm