Advanced Gas Diffusion Layers for PEM Fuel Cells

One of the most critical components for proper water management and catalyst functioning in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is the Gas diffusion layer (GDL). This paper presents a preliminary study on advanced GDL performance characteristics in fuel cell environment. Off-shelf-carbon fiber based materials with promising microstructure typically used for applications other than PEM FC were employed for this study. The material electrochemical functionalities were evaluated in-situ and compared with standard Sigracet SGL 35 BC. The 5cm2 fuel cells were assembled with a 3-layer standard MEA and the GDLs and tested at 80{degree sign}C with 100% humidified gases at ambient pressure. The results show that the advanced GDL enhanced catalyst ECSA, and decreased fuel cell ohmic losses. Finally, the current status of the advanced GDL functionalization properties are discussed and future materials optimization is proposed.