Investigation of Dynamic Water Cluster and Droplet Interactions in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells using Operando X-ray Tomographic Microscopy

Efficient removal of the electrochemically produced water from the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells is crucial for reducing mass transport losses and improving the efficiency at high current densities. Understanding the relationship between the water percolation through the GDL and droplet formation in the gas channel will allow the design of advanced GDL materials, which provide optimal water management. In this study, a catalyst-coated membrane with 8 individual active areas (0.06 mm2 each) is investigated using operando X-ray tomographic microscopy to study the transient development and interaction of multiple percolating water clusters in a GDL and droplet formation in the channel. The 4D imaging results at a time resolution of 1 Hz showed transient instabilities in the developed percolating water networks at various frequencies associated with break-through and spontaneous water drainage.