Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction Applied to Laboratory Investigation on Proton Exchange Membrane Water Content in Working Fuel Cells

An original method, based on the energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction, has been recently proposed as a possible laboratory tool to accomplish long time resolved investigation of the water content in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. However, this method has never been applied to a real working fuel cell. Therefore, a clear comprehension of its effectiveness in terms of relevant parameters such as time and space resolution, sensitivity, and reproducibility has not yet been achieved. In this paper, all these aspects are discussed and clarified. In order to focus on the method overall effectiveness and on the extent of possible improvements, a basic experimental configuration for both the electrochemical station and the X-ray equipment has been set. The method is described with particular attention to its operating principle and to the evaluation of the errors introduced in data assessment. Finally, applications to some model experiments, in particular working states of the device, are provided and the obtained results are discussed.