Couplings between the distributions of water and current density in operating Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC)
The post-doc work will be focused on the measurement of the current density and of the water distributions in an operating fuel cell with a real design, in order to give a better understanding of PEMFC operation as a function of the operating parameters (Temperature, Gas hydration, Pressure, Gas composition). The measurement of the distribution of the current density will be performed using a reliable commercial setup on a full size cell. CEA developed a technique based on Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) as a non-intrusive tool in order to quantify the water distribution during fuel cell operation within and without the membrane. CEA benefits for international recognition on this topic. These measurements will be conducted in high flux neutron reactors, such Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). Some specific high and low resolution neutron imaging experiments could be also be conducting additionally in order to have a complete 3D view of water repartition.
New Sustainable Carbon Catalysts for PEMFC
The aim of the project is to develop and test for ORR, a mesoporous and graphitised graphene aerogel based material, presenting a hierarchical structuring allowing a better material transfer and graphitic domains increasing the durability and conductivity of the final material, and functionalised by Pt-NPs.
These graphene-based structures developed at IRIG/SyMMES possess surface chemistries and micro/meso/macro porosities that depend on the synthesis, functionalisation and drying methods used. The aim will be to increase their degree of graphitisation, and then to deposit Pt-NPs by chemical means. The electrocatalytic properties of these materials will then be tested.
Advanced meso-structural characterisation of these materials by scattering (X-ray or neutrons) methods will enable to investigate the structural properties of these new electro-catalysts. These properties will thenbe correlated to their electrocatalytic properties, and performances in fuel cell systems. This knowledge will be gained through ex-situ and operando analyses.