Development of in situ A-SAXS and XAS Measurements of Pt Catalyst under Controlled Electrochemical Condition Using Channel Flow Electrode Cell

To improve the activity and durability, in situ characterizations of Pt catalysts used in polymer electrolyte fuel cells are necessary. The morphological and chemical states of the catalysts have been extensively studied by in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), for example, combined with electrochemical measurements. In the same analytical field, we conducted in situ anomalous SAXS (A-SAXS) and XAS measurements of a catalyst layer located in a channel flow electrode cell using a measurement system we developed. The obtained A-SAXS and XAS results were analysed to understand the morphological and chemical states of Pt nano particles. This system is expected to be used for electrochemical processes involving Pt nano particles.