The effect of wetting properties on bubble dynamics and fuel distribution in the flow field of direct methanol fuel cells

We investigate CO2 bubble dynamics on the anode side of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). In contrast to previous studies, we analyse the effect of both channel wall and diffusion layer wettability by observing two-phase flow from the side at different mean velocities of the fuel supply. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic flow channel surfaces are compared experimentally. The hydrophilic flow channel leads to a minimum pressure drop along the channel. Bubbles show virtually no pinning and consequently travel at approximately the mean fuel velocity inside the channel. In contrast to this, we observe bubble pinning in the hydrophobic flow channels. The critical fuel velocities necessary for detachment of the bubbles mainly depends on bubble length. We identify and describe a new bubble bypass configuration where fuel bypass channels are solely generated in a favourable position underneath a blocking bubble along the diffusion layer. This enforces fuel to bypass the CO2 bubble at a large relative velocity close to the diffusion layer, thus enhancing mass transfer. Our experimental findings are in excellent agreement with a CFD/analytical model. This model allows for quantitative prediction of average bypass flow velocity. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.