(Digital Presentation) Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Analysis of Fuel Cell Materials

Abstract

In order to improve the reaction efficiency of fuel cells, the structure of carbon and ionomer affecting electronic and proton conduction and the distribution of voids affecting oxygen diffusion and drainage have been studied to find the guideline for the optimum structure of the catalyst layer. In this study we are developing a method to evaluate the dispersed structure of carbon and ionomer and the thickness of the ionomer layer by using the small and wide angle neutron scattering instrument, TAIKAN at the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (MLF) of the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). The dependence of ionomer-to-carbon weight ratio of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) cross section of the solid carbon catalyst layer and the hollow carbon catalyst layer was evaluated comparatively. Furthermore, the relative humidity dependence of SANS cross section of the solid carbon catalyst layer and the hollow carbon catalyst layer was also evaluated by using the contrast variation method.This presentation is based on results obtained from a project, JPNP20003, subsidized by a New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).