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Improving water management in gas diffusion layers through the optimization of carbon composite microporous layers.

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Title: Improving water management in gas diffusion layers through the optimization of carbon composite microporous layers.
Authors: Washington, Brian A.1 (AUTHOR) bwashin7@vols.utk.edu, Imel, Adam2 (AUTHOR) aimel@utk.edu, Goenaga, Gabriel1 (AUTHOR) ggoenaga@utk.edu, Foister, Shane1 (AUTHOR) sfoister@utk.edu, Zawodzinski, Thomas A.1,3 (AUTHOR) tzawodzi@utk.edu
Source: Journal of Power Sources. Nov2024, Vol. 621, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Ion-permeable membranes, Surface energy, Multiwalled carbon nanotubes, Contact angle, Carbon electrodes, Polytef
Abstract: Using the Washburn method, the wettability of microporous layer (MPL)-coated carbon-felt gas diffusion layers (GDLs) with liquids with different polarities were studied using process tensiometry. The Washburn approach allows us to study fluid uptake into the electrode pores through capillarity and the resulting liquid-solid internal contact angles. Interpretation using the Owens-Wendt analysis reveals the effects of varying proportions of hydrophobic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the MPL yielding solid-vapor surface energies. An optimal MPL contained a 10 wt% MWCNT/KJB carbon substrate and 10 wt% PTFE loading. This information was corroborated by evaluating these materials in anion exchange membrane fuel cells with simultaneous gas and aqueous electrolyte feed. [Display omitted] • Carbon felt electrodes were evaluated using the Washburn and Owens-Wendt methods. • MPL integration in air electrode structures is key for modified AEMFC performance. • A 10 wt% MWCNT/KJB composite substrate is the optimal material for MPL fabrication. • Increasing PTFE loading in the MPL does not impact internal pore site wettability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Using the Washburn method, the wettability of microporous layer (MPL)-coated carbon-felt gas diffusion layers (GDLs) with liquids with different polarities were studied using process tensiometry. The Washburn approach allows us to study fluid uptake into the electrode pores through capillarity and the resulting liquid-solid internal contact angles. Interpretation using the Owens-Wendt analysis reveals the effects of varying proportions of hydrophobic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in the MPL yielding solid-vapor surface energies. An optimal MPL contained a 10 wt% MWCNT/KJB carbon substrate and 10 wt% PTFE loading. This information was corroborated by evaluating these materials in anion exchange membrane fuel cells with simultaneous gas and aqueous electrolyte feed. [Display omitted] • Carbon felt electrodes were evaluated using the Washburn and Owens-Wendt methods. • MPL integration in air electrode structures is key for modified AEMFC performance. • A 10 wt% MWCNT/KJB composite substrate is the optimal material for MPL fabrication. • Increasing PTFE loading in the MPL does not impact internal pore site wettability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03787753
DOI:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235326