TY  - CONF
AU  - Schatz, Michael
AU  - Jovanovic, Sven
AU  - Borowec, Julian
AU  - Eichel, Rüdiger-A.
AU  - Hausen, Florian
AU  - Granwehr, Josef
TI  - A PEM Electrolysis Cell for In Operando NMR and MRI Investigations of MEA Degradation
M1  - FZJ-2025-03918
SP  - 1-9
PY  - 2025
AB  - Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a promising process for sustainable hydrogen production, but its commercialization is delayed by high costs and elusive degradation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) [1]. In operando Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offer the potential to investigate degradation mechanisms during electrolysis, and thus, provide highly relevant insights for enhanced performance [2,3].In a first part of this contribution, a custom-designed miniature PEM electrolysis cell is presented, fitting the spatial constraints of a 1H coil of a commercially available imaging probe. In contrast to tailor-made probes [2,3], this approach allows for a broader range of NMR experiments – including not only 1H spectroscopy and T1 and T2 relaxometry, but also the first MRI and diffusion measurements on operating PEM electrolysis cells. The key design feature was a sealing concept without screws, utilizing O-rings in combination with precise compression geometry. Uniform electrical contacting minimizing metal content in the NMR-sensitive volume was validated via microelectrode voltage mapping. The inlet water temperature was controlled between 60 and 80 °C using a non-magnetic heat tube.The functionality of the newly developed NMR cell is demonstrated by electrochemical and NMR experiments in the second part of the contribution. The 1H signal-to-noise ratio and resolution allowed chemical shift analysis, while T1/T2 contrast enabled differentiation between MEA and water signals. MRI revealed water and gas bubble distribution during operation. Impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry results were consistent with labscale PEM electrolysis.This novel in operando NMR cell provides an effective method for investigating degradation phenomena during long-term PEM electrolysis experiments, leveraging the wide variety of experiments available with commercial probes.
T2  - EFCF 2025: Low-Temp. Fuel Cells, Electrolysers & H2 Processing
CY  - 1 Jul 2025 - 4 Jul 2025, Lucerne (Switzerland)
Y2  - 1 Jul 2025 - 4 Jul 2025
M2  - Lucerne, Switzerland
LB  - PUB:(DE-HGF)8
UR  - https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/1046699
ER  -