Capabilities
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Electron Tomography
STEM-based electron tomography is used to provide three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the structure (STEM image reconstruction) and composition (chemical map reconstruction) of materials. Electron tomography is analogous to bulk tomography techniques like X-ray tomography, but can provide information at a much higher resolution (sub-nm-scale) and can be used to combine morphological, crystallographic, and compositional data into 3D renderings. Read More
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Analytical Electron Microscopy
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) are microscopy methods used to characterize the atomic-scale structure of PGM-free catalysts (typically in powder form) and the material constituents (catalyst and ionomer) comprising membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Read More
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In situ Electron Microscopy
The ability to study the dynamic behavior of PGM-free catalysts under relevant operating and/or synthesis conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, potential cycling, and environment) can provide unprecedented nanometer-level insight regarding morphological and compositional changes that contribute to performance degradation. Read More
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Structure/Composition-Function Relationships and Active Sites
This capability focuses on revealing structure/composition-function relationships utilizing a coupling of rotating ring-disk electrode and ICP-MS techniques. Read More
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In situ and Operando Atomic, Nano-, and Micro-structure Characterization
This capability utilizes a combination of synchrotron X-ray spectroscopy, microscopy, tomography, and scattering and custom-built cells to determine the atomic structure, oxidation state, and nano- and micro-structure of catalysts, catalyst-ionomer inks, and electrodes in various environments. Read More
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Combinatorial Hydrodynamic Screening of PGM-free Catalyst Activity and Stability
This capability utilizes a multi-electrode channel flow double electrode (m-CFDE) cell and multi-channel potentiostats for combinatorial hydrodynamic screening of PGM-free catalyst activity and selectivity, as well as for detection of electrochemically-active catalyst degradation products. Read More
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Sputter Deposition of Thin Films and High Surface Area Catalysts
Two sputter deposition chambers with the ability to deposit PGM-free catalysts by sputtering. Samples can be grown in thin film form or as conformally deposited supported nanoparticles on any vacuum stable support powder. Read More
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Segmented Cell Hardware
High throughput in-situ testing of electrode layers with gradient component composition, component distribution, and/or layer properties as resulting from high throughput and combinatorial catalyst development requires specialized diagnostic equipment. This capability utilizes a segmented cell system allowing for the spatial observation of the natural current and voltage distribution of a fuel cell within 121 individual segments. Read More
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Materials Data Infrastructure
A data eco-system composed of a Laboratory Information Management System for handling experimental laboratory data and a Computational Materials Data System for managing high throughput materials simulation data generated on NREL's High Performance Computer. Read More
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Membrane-Electrode Assembly Fabrication
Fabrication of PGM-free catalyst membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) involves three essential steps: (i) catalyst ink optimization and preparation, (ii) catalyst layer deposition onto the polymer electrolyte membrane to obtain a catalyst coated membrane or onto the gas diffusion layer to obtain a gas diffusion electrode, and (iii) integration of all required components into an MEA. Among the many factors directly impacting PGM-free catalyst ink properties, all inks require homogeneous distributions of the ionomer and the catalyst in the ink by using either an ultrasonic bath or a shear mixer. Read More