Ex-situ characterisation of gas diffusion layers for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES

卷:218

Review

El-kharouf, Ahmad²  Mason, Thomas J.³  Brett, Dan J. L.³  Pollet, Bruno G.¹ 

[1] Univ Western Cape, Fac Sci, SAIAMC, HySA Syst Competence Ctr, ZA-7535 Bellville, South Africa

[2] Univ Birmingham, Sch Chem Engn, Ctr Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Res, PEM Fuel Cell Res Grp, Birmingham B15 2TT, W Midlands, England

[3] UCL, Dept Chem Engn, Ctr Technol CO2, London WC1E 7JE, England

关键词: PEM fuel cell;    GDL;    MPL;    Ex-situ characterization;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.06.099

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

This paper presents the first part of a complete ex-situ characterisation of a wide range of commercial Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) used in low temperature and high temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Physical and electrical characteristics of the GDLs are reported. The results show that the substrate structure has a significant effect on the mechanical and electrical properties of the GDL. Moreover, the Micro Porous Layer (MPL) structure determines the roughness of the surface, and affects the permeability and porosity of the GDL It was found that the substrate treatment with PTFE affects the GDL characteristics; PTFE loading increases the GDLs hydrophobicity and permeability, however, decreases its overall porosity and resistivity. Adding a MPL to the substrate, results in a decrease in porosity and permeability and an increase in resistivity. The contact resistance of the GDL and the bipolar plate increases when the GDL thickness and PTFE loading are increased. This technical paper shows a close relationship between GDL materials and their physical characteristics and highlights the importance of optimising GDLs for fuel cell applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free