An Updated Look at the Role of Micro-Porous Layer on Liquid Water Distribution in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Abstract

Evidence of a region of gradual property change between the microporous layer and macroporous layer of bi-layer diffusion media is presented, and a mathematical model describing the effects of this gradual interfacial region is developed. The model results in a continuous water distribution across the diffusion media, whereas the sudden interface model results in a sharp discontinuity in the liquid phase saturation. High resolution neutron radiography is used to measure the water content profile across the diffusion media, and the results are compared with the model predictions.