Micro-porous layer with composite carbon black for PEM fuel cells

• Published in: Electrochimica acta Vol. 51; no. 23; pp. 4909 - 4915
• Main Authors: Wang, X.L., Zhang, H.M., Zhang, J.L., Xu, H.F., Tian, Z.Q., Chen, J., Zhong, H.X., Liang, Y.M., Yi, B.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 15.06.2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composite carbon black; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Gas diffusion layer; Hydrophilic/hydrophobic porosity; Micro-porous layer; PEMFC; PEMFC; Gas diffusion layer; Micro-porous layer; Composite carbon black; Hydrophilic/hydrophobic porosity; Performance evaluation; Membrane electrode; Carbon black; Porous membrane; Hydrophobicity; Composite material; Gas permeability; Pore size; Energetic efficiency; Proton exchange membrane fuel cells; Acetylene black
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2006.01.048

Effects of carbon black in micro-porous layer (MPL) on the performance of H 2/air proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) were studied and characterized extensively. Physical properties of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) involving surface morphology, gas permeability, hydrophilic/hydrophobic porosity and electron conductivity were examined. To construct an effective bi-functional pore structure, a novel MPL using composite carbon black consisting of Acetylene Black and Black Pearls 2000 carbon was presented for the first time. An optimal cell performance with the maximum power density of 0.91 W cm −2 was obtained by the MPL containing 10 wt.% Black Pearls 2000 in composite carbon black.