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Construction and properties of microporous layer with gradient pore structure |
LIU Zhipeng1, LI Li1, WU Xiaobo1,2, XIE Zhiyong1, LEI Ting1 |
1. Powder Metallurgy Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China; 2. Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou 412007, China |
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Abstract As one of the key components of PEMFC (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell), the GDL (gas diffusion layer) plays a crucial role in the water management of the battery, The microporous layers with different gradient pore structures were constructed on the carbon paper substrate using conductive nano carbon black, MWCNTs and graphite sheets as microporous carbon materials. Scanning electron microscope and mercury injection instrument were used to measure the micropore morphology and pore structure of the all microporous layers. Then the resistivity, gas permeability and breakthrough pressure of the diffusion layers were also tested. Finally, the output performance of a single cell was studied by a fuel cell test platform. The results show that the gradient pore structure porous layer is formed due to the “double peak” distribution of MWCNTs layer and graphite sheet layer, which promotes the separation of gas-liquid two-phase transport and improves the battery's mass transfer capacity. Compared with the double-layer design, the three-layer gradient pore structure microporous layer has better performance. When the current density reaches 5.5 A/cm2, there is no obvious mass transfer polarization of the diffusion layer, and its maximum power is 1 855 mW/cm2. Compared with the commercial GDL, it is increased by 21%.
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Received: 18 October 2022
Published: 15 January 2024
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