Performance of a metallic gas diffusion layer for PEM fuel cells

A novel metallic porous medium with improved thermal and electrical conductivities and controllable porosity was developed based on micro/nano echnology for its potential application in PEM fuel cells. In this work to demonstrate its applicability, the gas diffusion medium, made of 12.5 m hick copper foil, was tested in an operational fuel cell. The small thickness and straight-pore feature of this novel material provides improved water anagement even at low flow rates. The performance does not decline at lower flow rates, unlike conventional gas diffusion layers. It has been hown that the performance can be further enhanced by increasing the in-plane transport. The improvements of such gas diffusion layer, including ore shape, porosity, and surface properties, are fully discussed. 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.