Synchrotron X-ray radioscopic in situ study of high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells - Effect of operation conditions on structure of membrane

•High temperature PEM fuel cells were investigated with synchrotron radiography.•First in-operando analysis of distribution of phosphoric acid in the MEA was performed.•Significant changes in media distribution possibly caused by varying degree of acid.•Strong movements of electrode fragments were found and analyzed quantitatively.

We present the first high-resolution synchrotron X-ray study on high temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEFCs) in through-plane mode. Distribution and evolution of the phosphoric acid in the membrane electrode assembly was monitored in situ/in-operando under different operating conditions at steady states. At current densities of 350 mA cm−2 and 600 mA cm−2 significant changes in local media distribution were detected mainly beneath the channels of the flow field. We assign this effect to a varying degree of acid doping over the active region. Furthermore it was found that parts of the electrode structure were moved and partly irreversibly displaced after cell operation at load conditions. This effect might contribute to structural aging of the electrodes.