Gas diffusion and electrolyte penetration in porous gas diffusion electrodes

Abstract

Gas diffusion and electrolyte penetration in wetproofed gas diffusion electrodes were studied using layers of PTFE-bonded carbon. Minor variations in fabrication and testing procedures resulted in very large variations in catalyst layer wetting characteristics and permeability for gases. The results indicate that the flooded agglomerate model satisfactorily explains the essential features of such electrodes. Apparently contradictory behavior is the result of variations in the state of the PTFE in such structures but does not, however, require a different model.