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Comprehensive analysis on the influence of perforated structure on mass transfer and performance of gas diffusion layer

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  • Lan, Shunbo
  • Liu, Haonian
  • Zhou, Xinran
  • Lin, Rui

Abstract

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is considered a promising energy source in the fields of transportation and distributed power generation. Gas diffusion layer (GDL) is one of the core components in PEMFC, which changes the overall transport capacity and enhances the output performance of PEMFC. In this study, GDL with different structures are prepared to study the effect of perforated structures on fuel cell performance. As the testing humidity increases, samples with perforated structures exhibit better performance at high current densities, and the existence of perforated structures significantly affect water transport in hydrophobic GDL. Besides, Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is applied to further investigate the effects of perforated structures in GDL models. It is found that the perforation on GDL enhances the permeability of liquid water in the through-plane direction and reduces the penetration in the in-plane direction. Perforated structures require a certain size to function effectively, while excessive large penetrated structures increase the water saturation, leading to a decrease in drainage capacity of GDL. This study is instructive for water management research and can provide reference for the structural design and optimization of GDL.

Suggested Citation

  • Lan, Shunbo & Liu, Haonian & Zhou, Xinran & Lin, Rui, 2025. "Comprehensive analysis on the influence of perforated structure on mass transfer and performance of gas diffusion layer," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:246:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125005592
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122897
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lv, Xuecheng & Zhou, Zhifu & Wu, Wei-Tao & Wei, Lei & Gao, Linsong & Lyu, Jizu & Li, Yang & Yang, Yunjie & Li, Yubai & Song, Yongchen, 2025. "Two-phase flow in coupled gas diffusion layer and patterned wettability metal foam flow field in PEM fuel cells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
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    4. Zhang, Xuexia & Liao, Hongbo & Huang, Lei & Huang, Ruike & Lin, Long & Jiang, Yu & Liu, Wentao, 2025. "A double-stage process-impedance-assisted model to investigate the water behavior at the cathode triple phase boundary for degraded PEMFC," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
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