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The Use of 1 H NMR Microscopy to Study Proton‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Author(s) -
Feindel Kirk W.,
Bergens Steven H.,
Wasylishen Roderick E.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.200500504
Subject(s) - proton exchange membrane fuel cell , fuel cells , microscopy , proton , hydrogen , chemistry , membrane , analytical chemistry (journal) , materials science , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , nuclear magnetic resonance , physics , nuclear physics , chromatography , organic chemistry , engineering , optics , biochemistry
To understand proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) better, researchers have used several techniques to visualize their internal operation. This Concept outlines the advantages of using 1 H NMR microscopy, that is, magnetic resonance imaging, to monitor the distribution of water in a working PEMFC. We describe what a PEMFC is, how it operates, and why monitoring water distribution in a fuel cell is important. We will focus on our experience in constructing PEMFCs, and demonstrate how 1 H NMR microscopy is used to observe the water distribution throughout an operating hydrogen PEMFC. Research in this area is briefly reviewed, followed by some comments regarding challenges and anticipated future developments.