Analysis of Water Behavior inside Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells toward Automotive Applications

Abstract

A multiscale water visualization system for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) was established by using operando multiprobe radiography with pulsed spallation neutron and synchrotron X-ray sources. The multiscale three-dimensional water distribution revealed that water back-diffusion from the cathode to the anode contributes to the “drainability” of PEFCs toward fuel cell electric vehicles.