X-ray imaging of water distribution in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell

Abstract

At present, water management in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is a major subject of research. In fact. proper water management is vital to achieve maximum performance and durability from a PEFC. Consequently, this study is conducted to visualize quantitatively the water distribution in a PEFC by means of an X-ray imaging technique. The X-ray images of the PEFC components with and without water are clearly distinguished. Reference to the visualized X-ray images, enables quantitative evaluation of the water distribution in the region between the separator and the gas-diffusion layer (GDL). Likewise, the meniscus of water in the channels of the PEFC is clearly observed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.