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@INPROCEEDINGS{Schatz:1046699,
author = {Schatz, Michael and Jovanovic, Sven and Borowec, Julian and
Eichel, Rüdiger-A. and Hausen, Florian and Granwehr, Josef},
title = {{A} {PEM} {E}lectrolysis {C}ell for {I}n {O}perando {NMR}
and {MRI} {I}nvestigations of {MEA} {D}egradation},
reportid = {FZJ-2025-03918},
pages = {1-9},
year = {2025},
abstract = {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.},
month = {Jul},
date = {2025-07-01},
organization = {EFCF 2025: Low-Temp. Fuel Cells,
Electrolysers $\&$ H2 Processing,
Lucerne (Switzerland), 1 Jul 2025 - 4
Jul 2025},
cin = {IET-1},
cid = {I:(DE-Juel1)IET-1-20110218},
pnm = {1232 - Power-based Fuels and Chemicals (POF4-123)},
pid = {G:(DE-HGF)POF4-1232},
typ = {PUB:(DE-HGF)8},
url = {https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/1046699},
}