Abstract
One of the most important components of PEMFC is the gas diffusion layer (GDL), owing to its key role in the reactant diffusion, water management, thermal and electron conductivity. Therefore, the GDL must have an optimal stiffness to ensure these transport functions during numerous hydrothermal cycles. The understanding of its behavior is still a remaining issue. Its orthotropic mechanical behavior requires a series of mechanical characterizations in the plane of the fibers and out of plane. In addition, there are different manufacturing processes for GDL in sheet or roll form to optimize its functional properties. A macro porous layer (MPL) or different PTFE contents might be added by different manufacturers to optimize its performance. In this study, we have performed several mechanical tests differentiating between in plane and out of plane properties in order to characterize different GDLs available on the market. All of the experimental work has been done in the machine (MD) and cross machine direction (CD) according to the fiber orientation. The different GDL types were then classified into categories presenting similar mechanical response.
Highlights
The PEMFC is subjected to different range of stresses induced by its assembly process and by its operating conditions, which have a direct impact on its performance and durability [1,2]
The complex structure of gas diffusion layer (GDL) made of dispersed carbon or graphite fibers, requires a meticulous characterization
All experimental works were performed in the machine and cross machine directions, depending on the fibers orientation
Summary
The PEMFC is subjected to different range of stresses induced by its assembly process and by its operating conditions, which have a direct impact on its performance and durability [1,2]. Understanding the mechanical response of the GDL to the different stresses it undergoes during operation cycles will help identify the origin of morphological changes that may impact the performance of the PEMFC [5,6]. Cyclic compression causes significant and irreversible changes in the GDL’s structure and properties, surface morphology and pore size, which inhibit the gas circulation and blocks the water evacuation. It induces a nonlinear decrease in the contact electric resistance between the bipolar plate and GDL [7,8,9,10,11]. As a perspective of this work, the properties determined will be implemented in a numerical model to predict the different mechanical behavior of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) different layers
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