New method provides rapid microstructural analysis of fuel cell component

Dr Chi-Young Jung's research team from the Hydrogen Research & Demonstration Center at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) said the new method is 100 times faster than existing methods.

Carbon fibre paper, which helps to facilitate water discharge and fuel supply in fuel cell stacks, is composed of materials including carbon fibres, binders (adhesives), and coatings. Over time, the arrangement, structure, and coating condition of these materials change, leading to a decline in the performance of the fuel cell. For this reason, analysing the microstructure of carbon fibre paper has become an essential step in diagnosing the condition of fuel cells.

According to the team, real-time analysis of the high-resolution microstructure of carbon fibre paper has been impossible until now because obtaining accurate analysis results requires a process in which the carbon fibre paper sample is damaged and then subjected to detailed examination using an electron microscope.

To address the limitations of existing analysis methods, the research team developed a technology that analyses the microstructure of carbon fibre paper using X-ray diagnostics and an AI-based image learning model. Notably, this technology enables precise analysis using only X-ray tomography, eliminating the need for an electron microscope. Consequently, it allows for near real-time condition diagnosis.