STXM Characterization of Nanostructured Thin Film Anode Before and After Start-Up Shutdown and Reversal Tests

Nanostructured thin film (NSTF) catalysts are promising for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications. We have used synchrotron based scanning transmission soft X-ray microscopy (STXM) to evaluate composition and structure of NSTF anodes prepared by decaling and the changes that occur after start-up shut-down and reversal testing. We find the metal decorated perylene red support material is mechanically compressed, so that there is very …