Spatially Resolved Differentiation of Functional Degradation and Perforating Structural Defects in Membrane Electrode Assemblies Using Diffusion-Cell Coupled DC-SECM.

ABSTRACT: In order to increase the lifetime of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells (PEMFCs) and water electrolyzers (PEMWEs), understanding local degeneration processes in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) is crucial. By a combination of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with a flow-through diffusion cell (DiffC-DC-SECM) and ferrocyanide and protons as redox mediators, a spatially resolved analytical method was developed that can differentiate between different functional and structural degeneration phenomena in the aging process of a membrane. An SECM scan at cathodic potential detects the diffusion of protons through the membrane and thus its through-plane proton conductivity, while a second SECM scan at anodic potential visualizes the diffusion of the iron complex through th

SUBMITTER: Thiel S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12532053 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature