Influence of the gas diffusion layer on the performance of an open cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Navarro, A.; Gomez, Maria Angarita; Daza, L.; Molina‐García, Ángel; Cascales, J.J. López

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.12.151

Cited by 17 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…The GDL thermal conductivity effect studied in a modelling work for open-cathode cells suggested an insignificant impact on the thermal profile for such systems [44]. On the contrary, an experimental study recommended the use of a novel GDL having high hydrophobicity to achieve better cell hydration, which was also linked to the lower thermal conductivity of such GDLs [45]. This GDL garnered high cell performance for open-cathode systems due to decreased internal cell resistance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Model-Driven Membrane Electrode Assembly Design for High-Performing Open-Cathode Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Sagar,

Chugh,

Kjeang

2023

Energies

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Open-cathode fuel cells use air cooling to effectively reduce system cost. However, due to the challenging hygrothermal environment, they generally suffer from low performance compared to conventional, liquid-cooled cells. A pre-validated, three-dimensional computational model is used in the present work to determine the effects of different sub-component designs, namely the polymeric membrane, composition of the cathode catalyst layer (CCL), and structure of the cathode microporous layer (CMPL), on the performance of an open-cathode fuel cell. This comprehensive parametric study performed on a total of 90 cases shows the increment in current density to be 7% and 31% by improvising the membrane and CCL design, respectively, at 0.6 V. A steep increase of 87% is also achieved by strategically modifying the CMPL design at 0.4 V operation. An overall increment of 119% and 131% in current density is achieved for the best membrane electrode assembly (MEA) design at 0.6 and 0.4 V, respectively, as compared to the baseline design. These improvements are achieved by collective improvements in kinetics, oxygen mass transport, ohmic resistance, self-heating, and water retention in the ionomer phase. The proposed MEA design could facilitate open-cathode fuel cell stacks with 2× higher power output or 56% lower weight and materials cost for a given power demand.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Model-Driven Membrane Electrode Assembly Design for High-Performing Open-Cathode Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Sagar,

Chugh,

Kjeang

2023

Energies

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“…Some commercial GDL brands and models, including Sigracet 29BC, 14–16 Sigracet 39BC, 17,18 Sigracet 38BC, 19 Toray TGP060, 15,20 Vulcan XC-72R CB, 21,22 Ketjenblack EC-600JD (MPL), 23 are frequently used as baseline materials reported in the literature.…”

Section: Gas Diffusion Layermentioning

confidence: 99%

A review on gas diffusion layer in proton exchange membrane fuel cell: Materials and manufacturing

Luo

Choo

Ahmad

et al. 2023

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B:

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A promising alternative to fossil fuel energy is the fuel cell technology. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are widely used in electric vehicle and mobile power generation fields. There are several components in the PEM fuel cell, namely the gas diffusion layer (GDL), PEM, catalyst layer (CL) and bipolar plate (BPP). The GDL is one of the key components of a PEM fuel cell and acts as a distributor of reagents, current conductor, water manager and a CL support. This paper presents an analysis of the materials and fabrication technologies of the GDL in the PEM fuel cell. A summary of the main materials for manufacturing the macroporous substrate (MPS) and microporous layer (MPL) of GDL was presented. Advanced manufacturing methods were described as single layer manufacturing, double layer manufacturing and multilayer manufacturing. A brief overview of the materials and manufacturing processes of BPP and CL were also presented. Future research directions have also been proposed.

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“…Usage of suitable materials in application of the gas diffusion layer allows achieving suitable amount of water flow from the anode electrode to the MEA, so that the membrane is constantly saturated. It also allows outflow of the water generated in the cathode to prevent turbulent flow in the cell [51]. The gas diffusion layers are often protected against humidity with certain percentage of Teflon, so it is ensured that at least some pores do not become completely clogged because of water [52].…”

Section: Fuel Cell Componentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Focused on Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite Membranes

Jalali,

Seyedghayem,

Hooriabad Saboor

et al. 2023

Period. Polytech. Chem. Eng.

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The application of organic-inorganic nanocomposite membranes allows for a synergy between the desirable thermal and mechanical properties of inorganic materials with the reactivity, dielectric properties, durability, flexibility, and processability of the polymeric materials. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) suffer from some problems including water content management, carbon monoxide poisoning, hydrogen reformate, and fuel crossover through the membrane. Herein, specific solutions have been proposed to the above-mentioned problems using organ-inorganic nanocomposites. These solutions include doping proton conductive inorganic nano-particles in the proton exchange membrane, preparing nanocomposites via the sol-gel method, covalence bond of inorganic compounds with the polymer structure, and acid-based proton exchange nanocomposite membranes. Furthermore, hydrogen production with low carbon monoxide content using the ethanol steam reforming method, as well as the effect of CO in the hydrogen feed of PEMFC are explained and discussed. Finally, desirable conditions for achieving the maximum power density in exchange membrane cells (EMFCs) are discussed.

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Influence of the gas diffusion layer on the performance of an open cathode polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Cited by 17 publications

References 43 publications

Model-Driven Membrane Electrode Assembly Design for High-Performing Open-Cathode Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Model-Driven Membrane Electrode Assembly Design for High-Performing Open-Cathode Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

A review on gas diffusion layer in proton exchange membrane fuel cell: Materials and manufacturing

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Focused on Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite Membranes

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