Elucidating Gas Diffusion Layer Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells under Different Oxidative Media

Joel Mata Edjokola; Viktor Hacker; Merit Bodner

Abstract

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) stands as one of the pivotal components within the membrane electrolyte assembly of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs). It plays multifaceted roles, including facilitating the diffusion of reactant gases, providing essential electrical conductivity, and ensuring mechanical stability within the PEFC system. The GDL consists of a macroporous substrate (MPS) and a microporous layer (MPL) [1]. Conventionally, both layers undergo treatment with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to achieve the necessary hydrophobicity for effective water management [2]. The degradation of the GDL, marked by phenomena such as carbon corrosion and PTFE loss, can substantially compromise critical aspects of PEFC operation, including water management, electrical conductivity, and mass transport [3]. Given these considerations, attaining a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms is imperative. In this study, we subjected a commercially available GDL to rigorous accelerated stress testing using various oxidative media, including water, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and Fenton's reagent, each exposure lasting 24 hours. The analysis encompassed investigations into hydrophobic properties, employing techniques such as contact angle measurements, thermogravimetry, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX). Elemental composition variations, as elucidated by EDX analysis (Figure 1), unveiled degradation of PTFE components, following exposure to H2O2 and the Fenton reagent. These findings underscore the susceptibility of the MPS side of the GDL to oxidative stress, resulting in changes in wetting behavior, increased weight loss, and PTFE component degradation. Conversely, the MPL side exhibited superior stability and resistance to oxidative degradation. This investigation underscores the necessity of discerning the distinct behavior between the MPS and MPL sides, shedding light on crucial considerations for PEFC applications.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This research work is performed under the project AlpeDHues which is supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

REFERENCES
[1]. C. Csoklich, R. Steim, F. Marone, T. Schmidt and F. Büchi, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 13, 9908–9918 (2021).
[2]. A. Ozden, S. Shahgaldi, X. Li and F. Hamdullahpur, Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 74, 50–102 (2019).
[3]. Y. Yang, X. Zhou, B. Li and C. Zhang, Applied Energy, 303, 117688 (2021).

Originalsprache	englisch
Publikationsstatus	Veröffentlicht - 11 Dez. 2023
Veranstaltung	World Fuel Cell Conference 2023 - Imperial College London, London, Großbritannien / Vereinigtes Königreich Dauer: 11 Dez. 2023 → 13 Dez. 2023

Konferenz

Konferenz	World Fuel Cell Conference 2023
Kurztitel	WFCC23
Land/Gebiet	Großbritannien / Vereinigtes Königreich
Ort	London
Zeitraum	11/12/23 → 13/12/23

Fields of Expertise

Mobility & Production

UN SDGs

Dieser Output leistet einen Beitrag zu folgendem(n) Ziel(en) für nachhaltige Entwicklung

Andere Dateien und Links

https://www.iahe-fcd.org/wfcc2023

AlpeDHues - Alterungsanalyse und Performanceoptimierung von Brennstoffzellen im hochdynamischen Betrieb
Bodner, M., Hacker, V. & Edjokola, J. M.
1/01/22 → 30/06/25
Projekt: Forschungsprojekt

Dieses zitieren

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title = "Elucidating Gas Diffusion Layer Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells under Different Oxidative Media",

abstract = "The gas diffusion layer (GDL) stands as one of the pivotal components within the membrane electrolyte assembly of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs). It plays multifaceted roles, including facilitating the diffusion of reactant gases, providing essential electrical conductivity, and ensuring mechanical stability within the PEFC system. The GDL consists of a macroporous substrate (MPS) and a microporous layer (MPL) [1]. Conventionally, both layers undergo treatment with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to achieve the necessary hydrophobicity for effective water management [2]. The degradation of the GDL, marked by phenomena such as carbon corrosion and PTFE loss, can substantially compromise critical aspects of PEFC operation, including water management, electrical conductivity, and mass transport [3]. Given these considerations, attaining a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms is imperative. In this study, we subjected a commercially available GDL to rigorous accelerated stress testing using various oxidative media, including water, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and Fenton's reagent, each exposure lasting 24 hours. The analysis encompassed investigations into hydrophobic properties, employing techniques such as contact angle measurements, thermogravimetry, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX). Elemental composition variations, as elucidated by EDX analysis (Figure 1), unveiled degradation of PTFE components, following exposure to H2O2 and the Fenton reagent. These findings underscore the susceptibility of the MPS side of the GDL to oxidative stress, resulting in changes in wetting behavior, increased weight loss, and PTFE component degradation. Conversely, the MPL side exhibited superior stability and resistance to oxidative degradation. This investigation underscores the necessity of discerning the distinct behavior between the MPS and MPL sides, shedding light on crucial considerations for PEFC applications.ACKNOWLEDGMENT This research work is performed under the project AlpeDHues which is supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).REFERENCES [1]. C. Csoklich, R. Steim, F. Marone, T. Schmidt and F. B{\"u}chi, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 13, 9908–9918 (2021).[2]. A. Ozden, S. Shahgaldi, X. Li and F. Hamdullahpur, Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 74, 50–102 (2019).[3]. Y. Yang, X. Zhou, B. Li and C. Zhang, Applied Energy, 303, 117688 (2021).",

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T1 - Elucidating Gas Diffusion Layer Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells under Different Oxidative Media

AU - Edjokola, Joel Mata

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AU - Bodner, Merit

PY - 2023/12/11

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N2 - The gas diffusion layer (GDL) stands as one of the pivotal components within the membrane electrolyte assembly of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs). It plays multifaceted roles, including facilitating the diffusion of reactant gases, providing essential electrical conductivity, and ensuring mechanical stability within the PEFC system. The GDL consists of a macroporous substrate (MPS) and a microporous layer (MPL) [1]. Conventionally, both layers undergo treatment with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to achieve the necessary hydrophobicity for effective water management [2]. The degradation of the GDL, marked by phenomena such as carbon corrosion and PTFE loss, can substantially compromise critical aspects of PEFC operation, including water management, electrical conductivity, and mass transport [3]. Given these considerations, attaining a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms is imperative. In this study, we subjected a commercially available GDL to rigorous accelerated stress testing using various oxidative media, including water, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and Fenton's reagent, each exposure lasting 24 hours. The analysis encompassed investigations into hydrophobic properties, employing techniques such as contact angle measurements, thermogravimetry, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX). Elemental composition variations, as elucidated by EDX analysis (Figure 1), unveiled degradation of PTFE components, following exposure to H2O2 and the Fenton reagent. These findings underscore the susceptibility of the MPS side of the GDL to oxidative stress, resulting in changes in wetting behavior, increased weight loss, and PTFE component degradation. Conversely, the MPL side exhibited superior stability and resistance to oxidative degradation. This investigation underscores the necessity of discerning the distinct behavior between the MPS and MPL sides, shedding light on crucial considerations for PEFC applications.ACKNOWLEDGMENT This research work is performed under the project AlpeDHues which is supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).REFERENCES [1]. C. Csoklich, R. Steim, F. Marone, T. Schmidt and F. Büchi, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 13, 9908–9918 (2021).[2]. A. Ozden, S. Shahgaldi, X. Li and F. Hamdullahpur, Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 74, 50–102 (2019).[3]. Y. Yang, X. Zhou, B. Li and C. Zhang, Applied Energy, 303, 117688 (2021).

AB - The gas diffusion layer (GDL) stands as one of the pivotal components within the membrane electrolyte assembly of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs). It plays multifaceted roles, including facilitating the diffusion of reactant gases, providing essential electrical conductivity, and ensuring mechanical stability within the PEFC system. The GDL consists of a macroporous substrate (MPS) and a microporous layer (MPL) [1]. Conventionally, both layers undergo treatment with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to achieve the necessary hydrophobicity for effective water management [2]. The degradation of the GDL, marked by phenomena such as carbon corrosion and PTFE loss, can substantially compromise critical aspects of PEFC operation, including water management, electrical conductivity, and mass transport [3]. Given these considerations, attaining a comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms is imperative. In this study, we subjected a commercially available GDL to rigorous accelerated stress testing using various oxidative media, including water, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and Fenton's reagent, each exposure lasting 24 hours. The analysis encompassed investigations into hydrophobic properties, employing techniques such as contact angle measurements, thermogravimetry, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX). Elemental composition variations, as elucidated by EDX analysis (Figure 1), unveiled degradation of PTFE components, following exposure to H2O2 and the Fenton reagent. These findings underscore the susceptibility of the MPS side of the GDL to oxidative stress, resulting in changes in wetting behavior, increased weight loss, and PTFE component degradation. Conversely, the MPL side exhibited superior stability and resistance to oxidative degradation. This investigation underscores the necessity of discerning the distinct behavior between the MPS and MPL sides, shedding light on crucial considerations for PEFC applications.ACKNOWLEDGMENT This research work is performed under the project AlpeDHues which is supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).REFERENCES [1]. C. Csoklich, R. Steim, F. Marone, T. Schmidt and F. Büchi, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 13, 9908–9918 (2021).[2]. A. Ozden, S. Shahgaldi, X. Li and F. Hamdullahpur, Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 74, 50–102 (2019).[3]. Y. Yang, X. Zhou, B. Li and C. Zhang, Applied Energy, 303, 117688 (2021).

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T2 - World Fuel Cell Conference 2023

Y2 - 11 December 2023 through 13 December 2023

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