Work Item
ASTM WK89416
New Test Method for Determination of Inorganic Halogenated Compounds and Formic Acid in Hydrogen by Ion Chromatography
1. Scope
1.1 This document describes a procedure for the determination of hydrogen chloride, chlorine,
hydrogen bromide and formic acid in hydrogen for proton exchange membrane fuel cell vehicles
and other purposes. An ion chromatograph/conductivity detector (IC/CD) system is used to determi ne
an ions.
1.2 The volume fraction s of inorganic halides and formic acid in hydrogen are was measured
from 0.025 µmol/mol to 0.5 µmol/mol. The detection limits of hydrogen chloride, chlorine gas,
hydrogen bromide and formic acid are 0.014 µmol/mol, 0.007 µmol/mol, 0.002 µmol/mol and
0.001 µmol/mol, respectively, when the sampling volume is 100 L, the absorption liquid volume is
10 mL and the room temperature is 25?.
Keywords
inorganic halogenated compounds; formic acid; hydrogen fuel; ion chromatography; impurity detection
Rationale
Fuel cell vehicles require to control the trace impurity content s in hydrogen that affects the
performance and life of the battery. The halides in hydrogen have an irreversible effect on the
performance of hydrogen fuel cells. The halides are adsorbed on the catalyst layer, reducing the
catalytic surface area and batter y performance. Chlorides, for example, promote the dissolution of
platinum by forming soluble chloride complexes and subsequently depositing them in fuel cell
membranes. Potential sources include refrigerants and process cleaners used in chlormembranes. Potential sources include refrigerants and process cleaners used in chlor--alkali alkali produproduction. Carbon monoxide intermediate may be produced during formic acid adsorption, and ction. Carbon monoxide intermediate may be produced during formic acid adsorption, and will affect the activity of the catalystwill affect the activity of the catalyst. Analysis to part-per-billion (ppb) concentration of individual anion contaminants such as hydrogen chloride, chlorine, hydrogenhydrogen chloride, chlorine, hydrogen bromide and formic acidbromide and formic acid in hydrogen and related fuel cell supply gases is necessary for assuring a feed gas of sufficient purity to satisfy fuel cell system needs.
Although not intended for application to gases other than hydrogen and related fuel cell supply gases, techniques within this test method can be applied to other gaseous samples requiring anion analysis.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 01-26-2024
Technical Contact: Allan Morrison
Item: 000
Ballot:
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