Compton Scattering Imaging of Liquid Water in Porous Carbon-Based Materials

• Main Authors: Naruki Tsuji, Yoichiro Tsuji, Yoshiharu Uchimoto, Hideto Imai, Yoshiharu Sakurai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: X-ray Compton scattering; porous carbon materials; fuel cells; cross-sectional imaging; high-energy X-rays
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/9/3851

Synchrotron-based Compton scattering imaging with intense high-energy X-rays allows the visualization of light element substances in an electrochemical device under an operando condition. In this study, we apply this imaging technique to a water-contained, porous carbon-based composite, which is used as a material for the gas diffusion layer in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Analyses of the two-dimensional intensity images of Compton scattered X-rays provide the cross-sectional distributions of liquid water, as well as the depth dependency of the water content. In addition, the analyses reveal a significant interaction between the carbon materials and water droplets.