ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal

Visualisation of Water Dynamics in Vein-Inspired Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Using Neutron Radiography

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are promising clean energy sources, especially for vehicles and stationary power systems. However, their performance is often limited by challenges in managing water and delivering oxygen efficiently. A key component, the gas diffusion layer (GDL), helps distribute gases and remove water, but traditional GDLs often do this unevenly, leading to inconsistent reactions inside the fuel cell. Recent research has shown that adding small holes (perforations) to the GDL can improve the movement of water and gases. Designs with varied (heterogeneous) patterns perform better than uniform ones, but a scalable and effective solution has yet to be established. This study introduces a new approach inspired by nature, specifically the vein patterns found in leaves, which have evolved to move fluids efficiently. A leaf vein-inspired GDL design will be tested using advanced imaging tools such as neutron radiography and thermal-electrical mapping. These techniques can illustrate how water and gases behave in real time inside a working fuel cell. In addition, 3D computer models will simulate fuel cell performance to better understand local and overall reaction behavior. By applying principles from biology to engineering, this research aims to enhance the efficiency, durability, and practical application of clean energy technologies.

Principal Investigator: Dr Shangwei Zhou
Experimenter: Mr Joao Paz Dias
Experimenter: Dr Hadi Heidary
Local Contact: Dr Sylvia Britto
Experimenter: Dr Yunsong Wu
Experimenter: Dr Rhodri Jervis
Experimenter: Dr Thomas Miller
Experimenter: Dr Jianuo Chen

DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520093

ISIS Experiment Number: RB2520093

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 Shangwei Zhou et al; (2026): Visualisation of Water Dynamics in Vein-Inspired Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Using Neutron Radiography, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520093

Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.