Cross-Sectional Visualization of Liquid Water Behavior and Evaluation of Wettability Effect in Cathode Channel of an Operating PEFC

摘要

Water plugging in cathode channel of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is recognized as a critical issue for high performance operation. In this study, the growth and attachment behaviors of liquid droplets and the removal of water plugs in the cathode channel of an operating PEFC were observed based on a cross-sectional visualization technique. Furthermore, the cell voltage and differential pressure between the cathode inlet and outlet were also monitored during cell operation, and the effect of surface wettability of channel wall on the water transport and cell performance was discussed. It was noted that hydrophilic treatment on cathode channel wall is effective in alleviating channel clogging and stabilizing cell performance.