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Optical Visualization and Spectroscopic Techniques for Probing Water Transport in a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell
Author(s) -
Nishida Kosuke
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201500135
Subject(s) - water transport , electrolyte , water vapor , materials science , polymer , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemical engineering , water flow , chemistry , environmental science , environmental engineering , chromatography , electrode , composite material , organic chemistry , engineering
To solve the critical issues of water management in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), the comprehensive understanding of water transport in the catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer (GDL), electrolyte membrane and gas channel during cell operation is required. In this Minireview, optical visualization and laser spectroscopic techniques for investigating liquid water behavior and water vapor distribution in operating PEFCs are presented. Direct optical observation of water droplet buildup in the GDL and gas channel is conveniently performed using transparent cells. In addition, a novel visualization method using humidity test paper makes it possible to quantitatively measure the water vapor profile along a gas channel. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy is available for noninvasive monitoring of water concentrations in flow channels with a high time resolution. These diagnostic techniques provide information useful for proper water management in PEFCs.