Arlt, T.; Schröder, A.; Heyne, K.; Riesemeier, H.; Wippermann, K.; Lehnert, W.; Manke, I.: In-operando investigation of the humidity condition and the swelling of a Nafion-based membrane in a DMFC with synchrotron X-ray imaging. Journal of Power Sources 297 (2015), p. 83-89
10.1016/j.jpowsour.2015.07.064
Abstract:
The water distribution of a Nafion-based membrane in a direct methanol fuel cell was analyzed inoperando using high resolved synchrotron X-ray radiography. A specially developed fuel cell design that meets the requirements for radiography as well as for stable cell operation was used. Different electric loads were applied during cell operation. A correlation between the electric load of the cell and the thickness of the membrane was found: the membrane thickness increased with increasing current density. The impact of local water drop dynamics on the water distribution in the membrane and the electrodes have been analyzed.We found a strong influence of water drops in the cathode channel on the water distribution in the adjacent area of the Nafion membrane.