{"id":5468,"date":"2022-04-06T14:43:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-06T14:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prod.zbt.compositas.io\/news\/neues-roentgenmikroskop-3d-aufnahmen-aus-dem-inneren-von-brennstoffzellen-moeglich\/"},"modified":"2025-01-28T14:45:30","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T14:45:30","slug":"new-x-ray-microscope-for-3d-images-from-inside-fuel-cells","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/news\/new-x-ray-microscope-for-3d-images-from-inside-fuel-cells\/","title":{"rendered":"New X-ray microscope for 3D images from inside fuel cells"},"content":{"rendered":"
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New X-ray microscope for 3D images from inside fuel cells<\/h2>\n
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New analytical possibilities are now opening up for researchers at the ZBT: The new X-ray microscope makes it possible to look inside fuel cells without having to disassemble them – and at a resolution of less than one micrometre!<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the\u00a0high-resolution X-ray microscope<\/b>\u00a0Zeiss Xradia 620 Versa, tomographies similar to those used in medicine can now be generated at the ZBT. In this way, the examined objects can be measured as 3D models. Since different materials absorb X-rays to different degrees, the measurement shows where areas of different density or different elements are located in the object.<\/p>\n

For example, components can be checked for air inclusions or inhomogeneities in the material composition. Another application scenario is the investigation of\u00a0structural change of gas diffusion layers<\/b>\u00a0caused by the temperature drop of a fuel cell below the freezing point. Of particular interest for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is also the\u00a0investigation of the water balance<\/b>\u00a0in the cell, as the X-ray tomogram reveals where droplets form and water accumulates.<\/p>\n

“In the medium term, we will also expand our X-ray microscope to be able to operate fuel cells within the microscope, that is, to perform operando measurements,” explains ZBT scientist Dr Laura Tropf. “We are already looking forward to many exciting measurements and new insights that we will gain with the help of the X-ray technology!”<\/p>\n

The X-ray microscope was procured in the course of the\u00a0HyTechLab4NRW project. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the state of North Rhine-Westfalia.<\/p>\n

Department of New Materials and Technologies<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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