(Invited, Digital Presentation) Tuning Gas-Diffusion-Layer Surface Wettability for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

In the present scenario of a global initiative toward securing net-zero by mid-century and keeping 1.5 degrees within reach, polymer-electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are considered to play an important role in energy transition, particularly for decarbonization transit buses, trucks, rail transport, ships ferries, residential heating sector. However, PEFCs not economically competitive with internal combustion engine powertrains [1]. Moreover, their durability standards widely varying conditions have yet be established water management remains critical issue performance degradation [1-3]. Thus, mission my research team is conduct original make viable optimize [4,5]. this talk, I will highlight our on PEFC’s gas diffusion layer (GDL), as its interfaces flow channel microporous significant management. This was aimed at selectively modifying GDL surfaces hydrophobic pattern improve transport removal from channels; thus, improving PEFCs. Sigracet ® GDLs were used base substrate two different monomers, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) added fumed silica (Si) fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) print selective [6]. Both additive manufacturing spray coating techniques utilized creating surfaces. The results study demonstrated novel but simple approach tune wetting properties superhydrophobic that would enhance transport. discuss some these how benefit next-generation high-power work funded Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/P03098X/1) STFC Batteries Network (ST/R006873/1) supported SGL Carbon SE ( www.sglcarbon.com ). References [1] A.Z. Weber et al. , "A review modeling phenomena polymer electrolyte cells," J. Electrochem. Soc. vol. 161, pp. F1254-F1299, 2014. [2] A.D. Santamaria "Liquid-water interactions gas-diffusion layers surfaces," F1184-F1193, [3] P.K. Das Weber, "Water PEMFC ultra-thin catalyst-layers," ASME 11th Fuel Cell Science, Technology Conference Paper No. FuelCell2013-18010, V001T01A002, 2013. [4] L. Xing "Membrane electrode assemblies PEM cells: A functional graded design optimization," Energy 177, 445-464, 2019. [5] "Inhomogeneous distribution platinum ionomer porous cathode maximize cell," AIChE J ., 63, 4895-4910, 2017. [6] D. Thumbarathy "Fabrication characterization tuneable flow-channel/gas-diffusion-layer interface Convers. Storage 17, 011010, 2020.