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Gas Diffusion Layer for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review
Hui Guo1, Lubing Chen1, Sara Adeeba Ismail1
1College of Energy, Soochow University, No 1 Shizi Street, Suzhou 215006, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells utilize gas diffusion layers (GDL) for efficient operation. This review details GDL structure, function, and future research directions for improved fuel cell technology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are commercialized due to their solid-state structure, low operating temperature, and environmental benefits.
- The gas diffusion layer (GDL) is crucial in PEMFCs, connecting bipolar plates and catalyst layers, facilitating gas diffusion and drainage, and supporting membrane electrode assemblies.
- A typical GDL consists of a macroporous substrate (MPS) and a microporous layer (MPL), each serving distinct functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).
- To elucidate the structure and functions of the GDL and its constituent layers (MPS and MPL).
- To summarize recent advancements and discuss future perspectives in GDL research for enhanced PEMFC performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on GDLs for PEMFCs.
- Analysis of the structural components and functional roles of the macroporous substrate (MPS) and microporous layer (MPL).
- Synthesis of current progress and identification of future research trends.
Main Results:
- The GDL's critical role in physical and electrical connection, gas transport, and mechanical support within PEMFCs is highlighted.
- The distinct contributions of the MPS and MPL to overall GDL performance are detailed.
- Recent advancements in GDL materials and design are summarized, indicating areas for further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The GDL is an integral component of PEMFCs, with its structure and material properties directly impacting cell efficiency and durability.
- Continued research into GDL optimization, including novel materials and layer integration, is essential for future PEMFC development.
- Understanding the interplay between MPS and MPL is key to unlocking higher performance and longer lifetimes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
