Carbon xerogel as gas diffusion layer in PEM fuel cells. (13th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trefilov, Alexandra M.I.; Tiliakos, Athanasios; Serban, Elena C.; Ceaus, Cătălin; Iordache, Stefan M.; Voinea, Sanda; Balan, Adriana
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 42:Number 15(2017)
• Page Start: 10448
• Page End: 10454
• Publication Date: 2017-04-13
• Subjects: Carbon xerogel -- Graphene -- Gas diffusion layer -- Microporous layer -- PEM fuel cell; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.03.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: We investigate a novel gas diffusion layer/catalyst/membrane assembly based on low-cost carbon xerogels replacing the expensive plasma-pyrolyzed carbon black microporous layer (MPL). The tri-layer structure (carbon paper/carbon xerogel/carbon black) of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) was tailored to enhance the bi-phase (gas–liquid) flow dynamics. GDL synthesis was performed by immersing carbon paper in a resorcinol-formaldehyde-graphene oxide precursor solution, followed by thermal treatment. The end product is a carbon xerogel structure with incorporated graphene layers that counter the additional overpotential losses due to conductivity and mass-transfer limitations. MPL structure and porosity were controlled by performing xerogel crosslinking in a centrifugal field at different G-Forces, resulting in a highly conductive material with structural properties tailored to the application of interest. Highlights: Xerogels were synthesized according to the resorcinol-formaldehyde method. The starting sol gel mix was augmented with graphene oxide as the acidic catalyst. Thermal treatment in a centrifugal field induced a gradual porosity profile. Carbon paper, xerogel, and carbon black comprised the tri-layer GDL. PEM FC MEAs bearing the composite GDLs presented reasonable performances.