Accurate measurement of water transport and water accumulation in an operating PEMFC is critical to optimize operating conditions and transport layer configurations. A water balance setup, based on in-line gas flowmeter, pressure, relative humidity and temperature sensors, was developed and demonstrated to track the real-time water transport and accumulation within operating PEMFCs. Current results indicate that changing operating conditions can have a dramatic effect on the water transport across the membrane, while the ratio of water transported to produced remains relatively constant with current density.

Stochastic reconstruction and imaging processing tools for x-ray tomography and electron microscopy are being developed to create a computer-generated 3D images of the gas diffusion layer and electrode micro-structures. Numerical algorithms to estimate water intrusion, effective transport properties, and even electrochemical reactions directly in the 3D images are also being developed. See, for example, Weisner et al. article in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a technique used to estimate the physical processes limiting a fuel cell by applying a linear alternating signal to the cell and measuring its response. Analyzing the response however is difficult and has mainly relied on the use of equivalent circuits. We are extending our fuel cell simulation software, OpenFCST, to be able to predict the EIS response of our system as we vary different input parameters.

Recent developments in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) cell materials have allowed for cells to be operated at higher performance levels for longer periods of time. There has not, however, been much consideration of the optimal method for feeding the reactant water, usually in the form of an electrolyte solution. At the ESDLab, we developed the construction and testing of anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) cells to study the effect of electrolyte feed method: Anode-only feed, Cathode-only feed, and Two-electrode feed.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are becoming a necessity in our lives compared to what they were only a decade ago. We use them in our phones, smart watches, laptops, power tools, vehicles…etc. However, the convenience of having such a cool technology is confronted by the downside of having to recharge it after using it for some time. What is even worse is that the battery gets drained faster if the embedding device operates at a high load.