Abstract
Using the Washburn method, the wettability of microporous layer (MPL)-coated carbon-felt gas diffusion layers (GDLs) with liquids with different polarities were studied using process tensiometry. The Washburn approach allows us to study fluid uptake into the electrode pores through capillarity and the resulting liquid-solid internal contact angles. Interpretation using the Owens-Wendt analysis reveals the effects of varying proportions of hydrophobic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the MPL yielding solid-vapor surface energies. An optimal MPL contained a 10 wt% MWCNT/KJB carbon substrate and 10 wt% PTFE loading. This information was corroborated by evaluating these materials in anion exchange membrane fuel cells with simultaneous gas and aqueous electrolyte feed.
Published Version
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