ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Effect of ionomer structure on water management in low temperature PEM fuel cells
Abstract: Fuel cells (FCs) play a pivotal role in achieving net zero goals by efficiently converting hydrogen into electricity. However, water management issues such as flooding can reduce performance by obstructing gas diffusion, while insufficient hydration impedes proton transport, especially when employing proton exchange membranes (PEMs) which require operation at temperatures around 80°C. The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is the powerhouse of FCs, where the ionomer within the catalyst layer plays a crucial role in transferring ions and anchoring catalysts. This study introduces advanced porous materials, such as cardo Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (cardo-PIM-1) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COF), into the ionomer to modulate hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity and enhance mass transport processes. These enhancements aim to optimize the interfacial dynamics within the MEA, improving both water management and ionic conductivity. Using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), we explore how these porous structures influence the microstructure of ionomers in MEAs, seeking to refine material properties for heightened FC efficiency and extended longevity.
Principal Investigator: Dr Zhiming Feng
Experimenter: Dr Maria Perez-Page
Experimenter: Professor Stuart Holmes
Experimenter: Dr Marta Falkowska
Experimenter: Mr Xiaochen Yang
Local Contact: Dr James Doutch
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2510613
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2510613
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2510613-1 | SANS2D | 06 June 2028 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
[doi]
For Example:
Dr Zhiming Feng et al; (2025): Effect of ionomer structure on water management in low temperature PEM fuel cells, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2510613
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
