Comparison of Precursor Preparation Routes on Final Density of YFeO Garnets Prepared via Reactive Sintering.

Yttrium iron garnet was obtained using four methods of synthesis. A modified citrate method and a modified citrate method with YIG (yttrium iron garnet, YFeO) nucleation were used. In two subsequent methods, YIP (yttrium iron perovskite, YFeO) and α-FeO obtained in the first case by the citrate method and in the second by precipitation of precursors with an ammonia solution were used as the input precursors for reaction sintering.

In-Depth Profiling of Degradation Processes in a Fuel Cell: 2D Spectral-Spatial FTIR Spectra of Nafion Membranes.

We present in-depth profiling by micro FTIR of cross sections for Nafion 115 membranes in membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) degraded during 52 or 180 h at open circuit voltage (OCV) conditions, 90 °C and 30% relative humidity. Analysis of optical images showed highly degraded zones in both MEAs. Corresponding 2D FTIR spectral-spatial maps indicated that C-H and C═O groups are generated during degradation.

Spectroscopic investigations into degradation of polymer membranes for fuel cells applications.

The research was focused on synthesis of proton conductive, easily degradable polymer membranes, which can be used as a model system to verify the efficiency of transition metal ions (TMI) in prevention of polymer degradation. Two polymers composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), and styrenesulfonic acid (SS) were synthesized. The copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), elementary analysis, and FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopies.