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A method of detecting defects in membranes such as ion exchange membranes of electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cell includes an assembly having an anode side and a cathode side with the ion exchange membrane in between. In a configuration step a chemochromic sensor is placed above the catho

A method of detecting defects in membranes such as ion exchange membranes of electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cell includes an assembly having an anode side and a cathode side with the ion exchange membrane in between. In a configuration step a chemochromic sensor is placed above the cathode and flow isolation hardware lateral to the ion exchange membrane which prevents a flow of hydrogen (H2) between the cathode and anode side. The anode side is exposed to a first reactant fluid including hydrogen. The chemochromic sensor is examined after the exposing for a color change. A color change evidences the ion exchange membrane has at least one defect that permits H2 transmission therethrough.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of detecting defects in an ion exchange membrane of an electrochemical cell including an assembly comprising an anode side and a cathode side with said ion exchange membrane in between, comprising: configuring a chemochromic sensor layer above said cathode in an enclosure with flow isola

1. A method of detecting defects in an ion exchange membrane of an electrochemical cell including an assembly comprising an anode side and a cathode side with said ion exchange membrane in between, comprising: configuring a chemochromic sensor layer above said cathode in an enclosure with flow isolation hardware between said ion exchange membrane and walls of said enclosure which prevents a flow of hydrogen (H2) between said cathode side and said anode side, wherein the flow of H2 is received from an inlet of said enclosure on said anode side,exposing said anode side to a first reactant fluid including said H2, andexamining said chemochromic sensor layer after said exposing for a color change, wherein said color change evidences said ion exchange membrane has at least one defect that permits hydrogen transmission therethrough during said exposing. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises identifying a position of said defect on said ion exchange membrane. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said electrochemical cell comprises a fuel cell and said assembly comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said chemochromic sensor layer comprises: a support comprising a metal oxide or a metal salt, andmetal or metal compound particles on said support including at least first particles comprising PdO or palladium hydroxide. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said metal comprising particles further comprise second particles comprising a precious metal group (PMG) metal or PMG metal compound. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said PMG metal is not palladium. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein said PMG metal comprises at least one of gold, silver, and a platinum group metal other than palladium. 8. The method of claim 4, wherein said palladium compound comprises palladium oxide or palladium hydroxide. 9. The method of claim 4, wherein said chemochromic sensor layer further comprises a gas permeable polymer that provides a continuous phase that completely encapsulates said metal comprising particles and said support. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said gas permeable polymer comprises silicone rubber. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said examining is performed automatically.