Effects of gas-diffusion layer properties on the performance of the cathode for high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Abstract

The role of the gas-diffusion layer (GDL) in high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell (HT-PEMFC) differs from that in low-temperature PEMFC GDL due to operating conditions and environment. Determining the GDL's structural parameters that affect its transport properties, and how these properties impact HT-PEMFC performance was urgently required. Four commercial GDLs were employed in HT-PEMFC cathode's GDE and was examined using X-μCT, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and an optical microscope to analyze structural parameters and characteristics. Fractal theory was applied to comprehend the gas transmission property of GDL, and the validity of the theory was confirmed through ex-situ through-plane gas permeability measurement. The analysis indicated that the porosity of GDL influenced by the crack region of the MPL has more impact on the GDL's gas transmission than its thickness. After that, we established a correlation between HT-PEMFC cathode performance and GDL porosity and theoretical gas transmission properties using R2 coefficient of determination.