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.
Fuel Cell Sample Environment for achieving operando SANS
Abstract: Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are a key technology for clean and efficient energy conversion, but their performance remains limited by water management within the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This proposal aims to validate a new fuel cell sample environment enabling operando SANS measurements under realistic electrochemical conditions. The cell allows precise control of temperature, humidity, and current load, while maintaining neutron compatibility for in situ characterisation. Using SANS2D, we will probe structural changes in Nafion-based MEAs as a function of relative humidity, temperature, and galvanostatic load, correlating nanoscale domain spacing, aggregation, and phase morphology with electrochemical performance. The results will be directly linked to a scheduled QENS study (IRIS, ISIS, Dec 2025) investigating water and proton dynamics under identical conditions. Together, these experiments will establish a structure dynamics performance relationship essential for designing next-generation fuel cells with improved hydration control and higher efficiency.
Principal Investigator: Dr Fabrizia Foglia
Experimenter: Ms Anuradha Bandaranayake Patabandi Mudiyanselage
Experimenter: Dr Keenan Smith
Experimenter: Dr Robert Dalgliesh
Experimenter: Mr Adam Morris
Experimenter: Dr Victoria Garcia Sakai
Experimenter: Dr Sandrine Lyonnard
Experimenter: Dr Andrew Seel
Local Contact: Dr Diego Alba Venero
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610347
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2610347
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610347-1 | SANS2D | 23 October 2029 | 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 Fabrizia Foglia et al; (2026): Fuel Cell Sample Environment for achieving operando SANS , STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2610347
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
