Advanced Microstructural Engineering of Gas Diffusion Layers for Synergistic Electrochemical Performance and Durability
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The microstructure of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) is a critical factor in determining the electrochemical behaviours and durability of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The paper will assess the ability of engineered GDL microstructures to improve the synergistic behavior of electrochemical performance. The 3D multi-physics numerical model is created, which considers the anisotropic porous transport, water capillary behavior, electrochemical reaction, and thermal effects, and is tested in accordance with known reference data. Using four GDL architectures, which include a traditional GDL, horizontally aligned, vertically, and an X-pattern GDLs, four GDL architectures are compared. The findings demonstrate that directional microstructural engineering produces a strong influence on performance characteristics. Whilst the GDLs that are horizontally and vertically aligned have a selective effect on in-plane and through-plane transport, respectively, the X-pattern GDL has a more balanced nature and exhibits a 35, 40, 28 and 45% reduction in oxygen transport resistance, a reduction in liquid water saturation, an increase in peak power density, and a 45% reduction in voltage degradation rates, respectively, than the conventional design. The originality of the given work is in showing that multidirectional GDL engineering provides an opportunity to synergize electrochemical performance and durability.
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