Characterization of Fuel Cells

We characterize cell components and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) with regard to their performance and aging behavior as a function of the operating conditions. We use a variety of state-of-the-art electrochemical measurement methods. In-situ characterization provides deep insights into the physical-electrochemical processes of fuel cell degradation. We supplement this with extensive ex-situ analyses in order to examine the operating behavior of the components in relation to their microstructures and material composition.

 

We offer:

• Fully automated characterization of MEAs and their individual layers using polarization characteristics, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with air/H₂ or N₂/H₂, cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, limiting current density, CO stripping and CO displacement
• Spatially resolved characterization of local effects on customer-specific, segmented individual cells to check the cell design in full format or in an along-the-channel test cell, for material and component selection and for the development of operating strategies
• Investigation of performance and aging behavior as a function of customer-specific designs and operating conditions
• Investigation of the influence of contaminants on the anode or cathode
• Ex-situ analysis of fuel cell components using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), micro-computed tomography (µCT), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), laser profilometer, laser scanning microscopy, gas adsorption, porosimetry, corrosion current measurement, contact resistance measurement and more

 

Your benefits:

• Our many years of experience in the in-situ characterization and ex-situ analysis of fuel cell components offers you exceptional reliability.
• We use state-of-the-art electrochemical measurement methods.
• Our fully automated test benches, measurement and characterization protocols and automated evaluation guarantee a high level of reproducibility.
• Our characterization provides data to confirm your choice of materials and components.