Influence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic double MPL coated GDL on PEFC performance without cathode humidification

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Gas diffusion layers (GDLs) coated with a hydrophobic microporous layer (MPL) have been commonly used to improve the water management properties of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). In the present study, a new hydrophilic and hydrophobic double MPL coated GDL was developed to achieve further enhancement of PEFC performance without cathode humidification. A hydrophobic binder of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and a hydrophilic binder of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were used to coat the MPL on the carbon paper substrate. The hydrophilic layer is effective for conserving humidity at the catalyst layer, while the hydrophobic intermediate layer between the hydrophilic layer and the substrate prevents the removal of water in the hydrophilic layer via dry air in the substrate. Reducing the hydrophilic layer thickness to 5 μm was effective for enhancing PEFC performance. Appropriate enhancement of hydrophilicity by increasing the PVA content to 5 mass% was also effective for enhancing PEFC performance.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPolymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells 10, PEFC 10
Pages1089-1097
Number of pages9
Edition1 PART 2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Event10th Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Symposium, PEFC 10 - 218th ECS Meeting - Las Vegas, NV, United States
Duration: Oct 10 2010Oct 15 2010

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number1 PART 2
Volume33
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Other

Other10th Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Symposium, PEFC 10 - 218th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas, NV
Period10/10/1010/15/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Engineering(all)

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