Characterizing the microstructure and gas transport properties of electrospun Gas Diffusion Layers for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells u

We investigate the impact of controlled microstructure of electrospun Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) samples for PEMFC using X-Ray nanotomography at ID16B beamline of ESRF. The samples are made of carbon nanofibers and are produced through the innovative method of electrospinning. This method allows modifying structural parameters of the electrospun GDL : fiber size and orientation, pore size distribution, thickness. We use the acquired 3D structures to determine monophasic and biphasic gas transport properties such as porosity, permeability, diffusion, tortuosity, capillary pressure, relative permeability. Calculations are run on GeoDict software. Thus we apply a numerical method on representative structures. The final objective is to gain insights into how the controlled microstructure affects gas transport properties and water intrusion in the GDL. The information obtained from this study will provide valuable knowledge for the development of more efficient GDL in fuel cells.