| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179985 | Electrochemistry Communications | 2011 | 4 Pages |
Synchrotron X-ray absorption edge imaging was used to investigate the ruthenium distribution in both fresh and aged Pt/Ru-based membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) of direct methanol fuel cells. MEAs aged in different ways were analyzed: artificially aged by MeOH depletion and aged for 1700 h in an operating fuel cell stack. An element sensitive tomographic technique – differential X-ray absorption edge tomography – was applied allowing for a 3D-visualization of the ruthenium distribution within the MEA. We found a markedly changed Ru distribution after aging which is correlated to the GDL structure, the flow field geometry, and CO2 transport in the methanol solution.
► Catalyst aging was studied using a novel element selective method. ► Differential synchrotron X-ray k-edge tomography revealed 3D ruthenium distribution. ► Upon aging a significant redistribution of Ru in the MEAs of DMFCs was found. ► Ru redistribution strongly depends on the aging procedure applied.
