Characterization of PEMFCs gas diffusion layers properties

Experiments have been carried out on different gas diffusion layer (GDL) materials in order to better understand the influence of this component on fuel cell performance. The study, focused on the mechanical behaviour of the GDL, shows the effect of the stress caused both by the hot-pressing and the compression in a cell on different types of carbon fibres based supports: a cloth, a felt and a paper. It has been observed that decreasing the stress applied on the GDL, which is of high interest for the durability of the MEAs, has moreover a positive effect on their performance. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.