Influence of different gas diffusion layers on the water management of the PEFC cathode

摘要

Material properties of the gas diffusion layer notably hydrophobicity, have a significant impact on the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The measured current voltage curves show, that loss of performance increases with rising PTFE content of the cathode gas diffusion layer. Measuring differential pressure over anode and cathode is used as an alternative method to obtain information about the water content of anode or cathode. To identify the decisive gas diffusion layer (GDL) properties, a detailed 1-dimensional model was developed. Modelling results reproduced the experimental changes in cell performance correctly, when gas diffusion layer properties or operating conditions are varied.