Visualisation of water dynamics in heterogeneously perforated gas diffusion layers-based polymer electrolyte fuel cells using neutron radiography

Contemporary society tackles the intertwined challenges of energy sustainability and environmental preservation. Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) have the potential to be a vital technology in a green, electricity-based energy landscape but currently suffer from intrinsic water management problems. The proposed heterogeneously perforated gas diffusion layers serve as a simple and effective means of achieving reliable PEFC operation at high current densities. However, an in-depth study of the water dynamics within this novel PEFC has not been established. This proposal aims to use the unique benefits of IMAT instruments to provide the first-ever comparison of heterogeneously perforated GDLs and those with homogenous perforations and non-perforated GDLs, synchronising with advanced thermal-electrical mapping. This could significantly and broadly impact academia, R&D, and manufacturers of fuel cell systems.