Low cost fuel cell diffusion layer designed for optimized anode water management

摘要

A fuel cell includes a cathode gas diffusion layer, a cathode catalyst layer, an anode gas diffusion layer, an anode catalyst layer, and an electrolyte. The diffusion resistance of the anode gas diffusion layer, when operated with an anode fuel, is significantly higher than the diffusion resistance of the cathode gas diffusion layer. The anode gas diffusion layer may include one-level filler particles having platelet geometries and may be made from lower cost materials and more cost effective manufacturing processes than currently available commercial carbon fiber substrates. The diffusion resistance difference between the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer may allow passive water balance control.