IR Thermography as a Tool for Quality Control and Safety in PEM Fuel Cells

Infrared (IR) thermography is increasingly recognized as a powerful diagnostic tool in the field of fuel cells, where technical and economic challenges hinder large-scale diffusion. This study presents two novel methodologies based on IR thermography as a tool to address two critical aspects of fuel cells: the uniformity of catalyst deposition on the electrode surface and the detection of hydrogen leaks to the ecternal environment. The first method is based on the exothermic reaction of a reactive H2/N2 gas mixture on the catalyzed electrode surface, where the thermal response is correlated with local platinum content. The second method enables localization of hydrogen leaks based on the heat generated by the catalytic reaction between hydrogen and ambient air on an active tracer surface. Both methodologies are non-destructive, cost-effective, automatable and suitable for quality assurance in both production and operational contexts. These results expand the diagnostic capabilities of IR thermography and support its integration into next-generation fuel cell development and manufacturing workflows.