微細ファイバセンサーによる PEFC 触媒層表面酸素濃度の光学計測

抄録

Insufficient supply of oxygen (O₂) to the cathode Pt catalyst layer can be caused by transport resistance, and is a major problem in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. To clarify O₂ transport phenomena, a non-destructive technique for measuring the O₂ concentration is required. In this study, the O₂ concentration at the catalyst layer was measured under operating conditions, using a tiny optical fiber and oxygen indicator. The O₂ concentration decreased continuously with decreasing cell voltage. It was considered that a decrease in size of the reaction area was caused by water accumulation and vapor generation. Local O₂ concentration measurements suggested that power generation was concentrated at the limited region.