Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy system for observation of water molecules in anion exchange membrane.

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) provide one of the most feasible remedies to fuel cells' dependency on the dwindling Pt group catalysts. Nevertheless, AEMFCs still suffer reduced durability, which requires an in-depth understanding of their membranes. The low thermal endurance of the anion exchange membranes (AEMs) usually limits the direct application of powerful techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy.

Various states of water species in an anion exchange membrane characterized by Raman spectroscopy under controlled temperature and humidity.

Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) hold the key to future mass commercialisation of fuel cell technology, even though currently, AEMFCs perform less optimally than proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Unlike PEMFCs, AEMFCs have demonstrated the capability to operate independently of Pt group metal-based catalysts. Water characterization inside the membrane is one factor that significantly influences the performance of AEMFCs.