Gas diffusion layer development using design of experiments for the optimization of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2018-05, Vol.151, p.689-695
• Main Authors: Laoun, Brahim, Kasat, Harshal A., Ahmad, Riaz, Kannan, Arunachala M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon; Carbon fibers; Coated electrodes; Contact angle; Design; Design of experiments; Design optimization; Diffusion layers; Experiments; Fabrication; Factorial design; Fuel cell performance; Fuel cells; Fuel technology; Gas diffusion layer; Gaseous diffusion; Humidity; Mercury; Optimization; Poly-tetrafluoroethylene; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Pore size; Pore size distribution; Porosity; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; PUREBLACK; Relative humidity; Size distribution; Slurries; Sodium; Sodium dodecyl sulfate; Sodium lauryl sulfate; Substrates
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2018.03.096

Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) was optimized to maximize the performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) using design of experiments (DoE). The fabrication of the GDLs consisted of using a non-woven carbon paper substrate, coated with a mixture (slurry) of Pureblack Carbon (PB), Vapor Grown Carbon Fiber (VGCF) and the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), all dispersed in water containing Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS). The concentration of PB and the PTFE in the slurry was organized through the application of a 22 full factorial design of experiments, with the quantity of PB and the quantity of PTFE as the factors. For each GDLs a Membrane-Electrodes Assemblies (MEA) were fabricated using Catalyst Coated Nafion Membrane CCM, in a single cell PEMFC, then the polarization curve was evaluated using H2/Air as well as H2/O2 at various relative humidity (RH) conditions. In addition, each GDLs were characterized by pore size distribution and contact angle using SEM, Goniometer and Hg Porosimeter. It was found that the optimized GDLs exhibited a power density of 487 mW/cm2 (H2/Air, 70 °C, 70% RH,) and 995 mW/cm2 (H2/O2,70 °C, 100% RH) for the optimum composition of 73% PB and 34% PTFE. •Design of experiment is used to assess gas diffusion layer performance.•Effects of pureblack carbon and polytetrafluoroethylene content are investigated.•A peak power density of 487 mW/cm2 (H2/Air) is achieved.•Characterized of the gas diffusion layer pore structure using porosimetry.•The hydrophobicity of the gas diffusion layer improve fuel cells peak power density.