Wetting properties of gas diffusion layers: Application of the Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel equations

Abstract

In this paper, the wetting behaviours of as received and aged commercial 10% PTFE loaded gas diffusion layer were studied using the Wilhelmy plate method with liquid water temperature ranging from 5 to 60°C. Comparison were made with an untreated sample and a PTFE smooth plate. These experimental results, supported by chemical and morphological surface characterizations, were discussed in the frame of the Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter regimes.For each wetting regime, surface fraction of solid, PTFE and carbon fibres and/or roughness coefficient were estimated by solving a system of Cassie–Baxter and/or Wenzel equations. The transition to one wetting regime to the other is also commented.Finally, the effects of ageing and of water temperature were studied. Ageing was found to alter the wetting behaviour of the GDL through its chemical degradation. An erosion and the crazing of the PTFE coating and an oxidation of the carbon fibres were pointed out. The decrease of the water surface tension linked to an increase of its temperature is also shown to lead to a better wetting and to an increase of the solid surface fraction value. This effect is reinforced by GDL ageing.