In Situ Micro-Raman on the Membrane in a Working PEM Cell

Abstract

An electrochemical cell has been designed for in situ micro-Raman measurements on the polymer membrane in an operating polymer electrolyte cell (PEM). The method is applicable to studies of both the distribution of water and membrane structure in the working cell environment. An initial study of the water distribution across a Nation 117 membrane in a cell working as a H 2 /H 2 pump cell at hydrogen flow and currents from 0 to 300 mA/cm 2 is presented. The results show that a hydration profile with a lower water content at the anode forms as current is applied to the cell. © 2004 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.