Developing a 3D neutron tomography method for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Fuel cell visualization is an ongoing challenge in the world of hydrogen-based research. Neutron tomography is a powerful tool for acquiring otherwise unattainable information about the inner workings of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Advanced neutron imaging methods allow for validation of both cell design and run methods. The tomography techniques discussed in this paper show how 3D visualization provides a clear view of flow channel activity for water management analysis. A brief intro to tomography is explained via its mathematical construction, outlining how 2D radiographs can be reconstructed and layered to form 3D visualizations. The low attenuation aluminum cell designs used for imaging are described focusing on how they are specifically tailored for neutron tomography. Images of the flow channel and water distributions are shown in cross-sections throughout the cell, both perpendicular and along the channel length. Finally, 3D tomography images of the cell are shown, with the bipolar aluminum plates signal subtracted revealing a 3D water distribution of both cathode and anode layers.