Performance of a fuel cell optimized for in situX-ray absorption experiments

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Fuel cells are critical energy conversion devices.
• In operando characterization is essential for understanding fuel cell performance.
• X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) provides valuable elemental and chemical state information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify a commercial fuel cell for in operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements.
• To enable XAS experiments in transmission and fluorescence modes.
• To validate the performance of the modified cell at synchrotron facilities.

Main Methods:

• Modification of a commercial fuel cell for XAS compatibility.
• Performance testing of the modified cell at ESRF and ELETTRA synchrotron radiation facilities.
• Acquisition of extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectra in transmission mode.

Main Results:

• Successful modification of a commercial fuel cell for in operando XAS.
• Demonstrated feasibility of XAS measurements in transmission mode above 6 keV.
• Achieved fast, low-noise XAS measurements on electrodes with varying catalyst concentrations.

Conclusions:

• The modified fuel cell is suitable for in operando XAS studies.
• This technique allows for detailed investigation of catalyst behavior under operational conditions.
• The developed method facilitates advancements in fuel cell catalyst research and development.