Natural wood derived robust carbon sheets with perpendicular channels as gas diffusion layers in air-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs)

• Published in: Catalysis communications Vol. 159; p. 106351
• Main Authors: Dang, Dai, Zeng, Ranjie, Chen, Xingwei, Su, Xiaohui, Yang, Xu, Su, Huaneng, Wu, Chuande, Zhang, Lei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.11.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Air-breathing; Gas diffusion layer; Natural wood; PEMFC; Perpendicular channels; PEMFC; Natural wood; Gas diffusion layer; Perpendicular channels; Air-breathing
• ISSN: 1566-7367; 1873-3905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.catcom.2021.106351

Herein, a novel natural wood derived macroporous carbon sheet with three-dimension inter-connected perpendicular-channels was engineered as gas diffusion layers (w-GDLs) for air-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Beneficial to the unique accessible perpendicular channels and the presence of a microporous layer, the current density reached 0.139 A/cm2 (at 0.6 V) and the maximum power density elevated up to 0.102 W/cm2 (at 0.43 V), which are comparable to the best results reported for the air-breathing PEMFCs with high Pt loadings. Furthermore, it exhibited excellent durability during preliminary constant discharge operation, demonstrating the feasibility of this w-GDL for practical applications. [Display omitted] •3D inter-connected macroporous carbon sheets is prepared from green natural wood.•Serving as gas diffusion layer for air-breathing PEM fuel cell is reported.•Perpendicular channels and free of micropores contribute to the mass transfer.•Optimized PTFE modification realizes a good gas diffusion-water drainage balance.•Good power density (0.102 W/cm2 (at 0.43 V)) and cell stability is achieved.