Numerical investigation on double gas diffusion backing layer functionalized on water removal in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Kong, Im Mo; Jung, Aeri; Kim, Young Sang; Kim, Min Soo

doi:10.1016/j.energy.2016.11.100

Cited by 42 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Although there have been some insightful numerical work on the topic of GDL structural optimization, 21,25 there is a scarcity of experimental work in the literature due to the complexity of manufacturing GDLs with controlled pore size gradients. 12,22,25 Therefore, a simple manufacturing technique for creating GDLs with tailored pore size gradients is also required.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A thorough understanding of the graded material and structural properties (such as pore size variations and thermal/electrical conductivity variations) and their effects on cell performance is required. Although there have been some insightful numerical work on the topic of GDL structural optimization, , there is a scarcity of experimental work in the literature due to the complexity of manufacturing GDLs with controlled pore size gradients. ,, Therefore, a simple manufacturing technique for creating GDLs with tailored pore size gradients is also required.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Designing Tailored Gas Diffusion Layers with Pore Size Gradients via Electrospinning for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Balakrishnan

Shrestha

Gao

et al. 2020

ACS Appl. Energy Mater.

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We present electrospinning as a versatile technique to design and fabricate tailored polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell gas diffusion layers (GDLs) with a pore-size gradient (increasing from catalyst layer to flow field) to enhance the high current density performance and water management behavior of a PEM fuel cell. The novel graded electrospun GDL exhibits highly robust performance over a range of inlet gas relative humidities (RH). At relatively dry (50% RH) inlet conditions that exacerbate ohmic losses, the graded GDL lowers ohmic resistance and improves high current density performance compared to a uniform GDL with larger pores and fiber diameters. Specifically, the graded GDL facilitates a beneficial degree of liquid water retention at the catalyst layer/GDL interface due to the high capillary pressure inherent in its microstructure, thereby improving membrane hydration. Additionally, enhanced graphitization and connectivity of the graded electrospun fibers improves heat dissipation from the catalyst layer interface compared to the GDL with larger fiber diameters, thereby reducing membrane dehydration. When the inlet RH is raised to fully humid (100% RH) conditions, the graded GDL mitigates liquid water accumulation and lowers mass transport resistance. Specifically, the pore size gradient directs the removal of liquid water from the GDL, resulting in superior performance at high current densities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Designing Tailored Gas Diffusion Layers with Pore Size Gradients via Electrospinning for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Balakrishnan

Shrestha

Gao

et al. 2020

ACS Appl. Energy Mater.

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“…By using two CEs one can spare the turning of the WE to achieve uniform coating on both sides. However, porosity gradients have demonstrated to improve the removal of water and the transport of reactant gases 64,65 and could ultimately substitute an MPL. Whereas the determined CA suggest a different wettability on the two sides (see Wettability of the PANI-coated carbon papers), a different porosity and pore size can be seen in the SEM images (see ESI, † Fig.…”

Section: Surface Morphology and Coating Distributionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Surfactant doped polyaniline coatings for functionalized gas diffusion layers in low temperature fuel cells

et al. 2023

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“…In addition to the study of the MPL of the single-layer pore structure, the GDL with graded pore structure has also been studied to improve the water management capabilities of fuel cells. [20][21] For example, Pranay et al [22] designed double-layer MPL with a spatial gradient in PTFE content. The content of PTFE affects the water contact angle and average pore diameter of MPL.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preparation of graded microporous layers for enhanced water management in fuel cells

Lin

Hong

et al. 2020

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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The newly prepared gas diffusion layer (GDL) was studied in this article. The new GDL mainly includes a carbon paper layer and two microporous layers (MPLs) on the same side of carbon paper. The two MPLs were fabricated by using conductive carbon blacks of two different carbon morphology, Vulcan XC‐72, and acetylene black carbon, respectively. From the results of the water contact angle and conductivity, it was found that the GDL prepared by spraying has not only good hydrophobicity but also low resistivity. Polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that the spraying sequence of two different carbon black pastes seriously affects the fuel cell performance, and the mercury intrusion test proved that the change in the fuel cell performance is due to the change in the pore‐size distribution of the newly prepared GDL. By comparing with commercial GDL29BC, the GDL first sprayed with a layer of acetylene black carbon and then a layer of Vulcan XC‐72 has more pore size of 7–20 μm and 20–100 μm to improve the water and gas management capability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. When the humidity is 60%, the maximum power density is increased by 25%, and when the humidity is 100%, it is increased by 12%.

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Numerical investigation on double gas diffusion backing layer functionalized on water removal in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Cited by 42 publications

References 37 publications

Designing Tailored Gas Diffusion Layers with Pore Size Gradients via Electrospinning for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Designing Tailored Gas Diffusion Layers with Pore Size Gradients via Electrospinning for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Surfactant doped polyaniline coatings for functionalized gas diffusion layers in low temperature fuel cells

Preparation of graded microporous layers for enhanced water management in fuel cells

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