4D Visualization of a Cathode Catalyst Layer in a Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell by 3D Laminography–XAFS

Abstract

Four-dimensional visualization of Pt/C cathode catalyst layers in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were successfully performed by a newly developed method, namely laminography–XAFS (X-ray absorption fine structure). The method not only enables imaging of the 3D distribution of Pt nanoparticle cathode catalysts, but also the chemical states of the Pt catalysts in fresh and degraded MEAs in a nondestructive manner.