A New Simultaneous Membrane Thickness and Catalyst Loading Measurement for Fuel Cell Proton-Exchange Assemblies by IR Transmission: Article No. 232601

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Abstract

We present a study of mid-infrared (mid-IR) transmission through typical proton-exchange fuel cell and water electrolyzer catalyst-coated membrane materials, and the determination of membrane layer thickness, and catalyst layer loading, from the power of the transmitted beam. Measured membrane thicknesses lay in the range of 25-125 um, and catalyst areal loadings range from 0.05 to 0.35 mg/cm2. We show that the transmission spectrum correlated to membrane thickness and catalyst loading values separately, and also used a mathematical model to calculate both quantities simultaneously, from a single measurement of transmission. Measurements were carried out using a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, in specular transmission mode, in the wavelength range of 3-13 um (3333-770 cm-1). We discuss the potential application of this method to the development of roll-to-roll manufacturing full-area-scanning quality inspection of catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) materials.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume559
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/JA-5900-80905

Keywords

  • catalyst-coated membranes
  • Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
  • fuel cells
  • proton-exchange membranes
  • quality control
  • roll-to-roll manufacturing
  • water electrolyzers

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