Enhancement of proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance by doping microporous layers of gas diffusion layers with multiwall carbon nanotubes

Microporous layers (MPLs) of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) were modified by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using a wet-chemical approach. Carbon nanotubes were dispersed along with other MPL components and coated onto a GDL backing. The electronic resistance of the GDL was significantly reduced by the addition of MWCNTs. A larger mean pore diameter was obtained as compared to the reference substrates. The improved performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) using such CNT-doped GDLs is attributed to a lower electronic resistance along with improved mass transport. Synergy effects of different carbon materials with MWCNTs and advanced dispersion processes were found to play a key role in achieving the performance improvements. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.