Influence of PTFE on water transport in gas diffusion layer of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

Hydrophobic coatings (PTFE) have been introduced in gas diffusion layers to improve the performance of fuel cells. Eight different cell configurations with various PTFE loading in cathode and anode GDLs were assembled. The oxygen transport ability and the water behavior are investigated based on the limiting current theory. The results demonstrate that fuel cell with a PTFE loading in GDL of 10 wt. % has the best performance of 1.003 W·cm -2 under 1686.6 mA·cm -2 . The high operating temperature (≥60 °C) will be properly applied to characterize the oxygen transport through limiting current method. Moreover, the content of PTFE in GDL used in anode will affect the water behaviors of cathode CLs which will determine the R NP in corresponding cathode, especially low Pt loading.