Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kenan Saka, Mehmet Fatih Orhan, Ahmed T. Hamada
Summary: A study on the gas diffusion layer (GDL) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) investigates the key design concerns and restraints, as well as the existing models and materials used for the GDL. A case study of step-by-step modeling and experimental tests on a single cell under various compressions are presented. Furthermore, a parametric study considering design parameters is conducted to improve the overall efficiency of the fuel cell.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Keguang Yao, Tiehan Long, Yajun Wang, Xiao-Zi Yuan, Yao Yao, Haijiang Wang
Summary: Accurately predicting oxygen mass transport resistance and current distribution in fuel cells requires knowledge of oxygen diffusion coefficients in both in-plane and through-plane directions. However, there are few methods for measuring in-plane diffusion coefficients. In this study, we establish measurement methods for both in-plane and through-plane diffusion coefficients and simulate oxygen flux distributions in gas diffusion layers (GDLs) under different conditions. The results show that torque and gas flow rate affect oxygen flux distribution in the GDL.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Gaojian Chen, Qian Xu, Jin Xuan, Jianguo Liu, Qian Fu, Weidong Shi, Huaneng Su, Lei Xing
Summary: Gas diffusion layers play a critical role in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and non-uniform deformation can lead to changes in the physical properties of the layers, affecting cell performance. Balancing the degree of deformation in gas diffusion layers can optimize cell performance.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Tianya Li, Guang Chen, Guangyi Lin
Summary: In this study, carbon black and acetylene black are used as conductive materials in the microporous layer (MPL) of the gas diffusion layer (GDL). Four different MPLs with various materials and structures are prepared using the spray method. The performance of these MPLs is compared by testing polarization curve, power density, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, water permeability, pore size distribution, and water contact angle. The results show that the GDL with a double MPL structure exhibits the highest current and power density. At a humidity of 60%, the limiting current density increases by 41% and power density increases by 30% compared to GDL without a gradient pore size. At a humidity of 100%, the limiting current density increases by 41.3% and power density increases by 50% compared to GDL without a gradient pore size.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chongxue Zhao, Haihang Zhang, Zheng Huang, Meng Zhao, Haiming Chen, Guangyi Lin
Summary: In this paper, we report the preparation of a gas diffusion layer (GDL) with different gradient pore size structures. The effects of the two-stage microporous layers (MPL) and the different pore size structures on the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) were investigated. The GDL showed outstanding conductivity and good hydrophobicity. Introducing a pore-making agent altered the pore size distribution of the GDL and increased the capillary pressure difference within the GDL.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shixue Wang, Jing Wang, Yu Zhu
Summary: The thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance of GDL and MPL greatly impact the performance of PEMFCs. Previous studies have reported conflicting results on the influence of PTFE on GDL conductivity and the magnitude of contact resistance between GDL and MPL. Using the two-thickness method, the thermal conductivity and contact resistance of a Toray GDL with a MPL coating were measured. Results showed that increasing the loading pressure resulted in the increased conductivity of GDL while the MPL coating remained unchanged. Treatment with 20 wt% PTFE reduced the GDL conductivity by 25%. The contact resistance between GDL and MPL was not a major factor in PEMFC design.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liusheng Xiao, Miaoqi Bian, Zequan Yin, Xiaofei Wen, Chen Zhao, Pang-Chieh Sui, Jinliang Yuan, Houcheng Zhang
Summary: This study proposes an approach to reconstruct heterogeneous gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and conduct pore-scale modeling to evaluate their anisotropic transport properties. The results show that fiber diameter, GDL thickness, and local porosity distribution type have an impact on diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity. Specific fiber diameter and GDL thickness are recommended to balance diffusivity and thermal-electrical conductivity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Christophe Carral, Patrice Mele
Summary: It is established that the compression behavior of gas diffusion layers (GDL) is dependent on the level of the mechanical stress it experienced during its lifetime. This paper presents a model able to predict the cyclic behavior of GDL, considering the existence of this compressive stress applied during the manufacturing process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ziheng Jiang, Guogang Yang, Shian Li, Qiuwan Shen, Jiadong Liao, Hao Wang, Mayken Espinoza-Andaluz, Ruomeng Ying, Xinxiang Pan
Summary: This study investigates the permeability of gas diffusion layers (GDLs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). It finds that porosity has the greatest impact on permeability, followed by fiber diameter, while pressure drop has negligible effect. In-plane permeability is higher than through-plane permeability, with a ratio ranging from 1.3 to 1.7 in the research scope.
COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Gaoyang Li, Yonghong Zhu, Yuting Guo, Takuya Mabuchi, Dong Li, Shengfeng Huang, Sirui Wang, Haiyi Sun, Takashi Tokumasu
Summary: Water management in the catalyst layers of fuel cells is crucial for commercialization. This study integrates molecular dynamics simulation with a customized analysis framework to study water distribution and diffusion. The deep learning framework shows computational cost efficiency and accuracy, and has the potential to model mass transport in different fuel cell components. It can make real-time predictions and establish statistical significance in the design and optimization of fuel cell components.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Gaoyang Li, Yonghong Zhu, Yuting Guo, Takuya Mabuchi, Dong Li, Shengfeng Huang, Sirui Wang, Haiyi Sun, Takashi Tokumasu
Summary: Water management in the catalyst layers of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells is crucial for their commercialization and popularization. However, the high cost and limitations in obtaining water distribution and diffusion data have hindered progress. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation was integrated with a customized analysis framework based on a multiattribute point cloud dataset and deep learning to accurately model the transport of water molecules. The proposed deep learning framework shows computational efficiency, accuracy, and good visual display, and has the potential to be applied to other components of fuel cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Erin B. Creel, Kristianto Tjiptowidjojo, J. Alex Lee, Kelsey M. Livingston, P. Randall Schunk, Nelson S. Bell, Alexey Serov, David L. Wood
Summary: This paper discusses the application of roll-to-roll slot-die coating technology for producing polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) catalyst layers. By controlling process parameters, the cost of PEMFC catalyst layers can be reduced. The study explores the operating conditions for defect-free coating through experimental and theoretical models, providing feasibility and guidance for the commercial application of fuel cell technology.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Min Wang, Wei Zhao, Shuhan Kong, Juntao Chen, Yunfei Li, Mengqi Liu, Mingbo Wu, Guanxiong Wang
Summary: To investigate the correlation between GDL structure and mass transport properties, a limiting current test was conducted on three representative GDLs with and without the microporous layer. The results showed that the transport resistance of GDLs was affected by the thickness and pore size distribution of the macroporous substrate and the MPL.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fangju Li, Wei Wu, Shuangfeng Wang
Summary: The wettability modification of gas diffusion layer significantly affects water management and oxygen transport in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Different hydrophilicity configurations influence liquid water and oxygen transport in gas diffusion layer, and an optimal hydrophilic pore fraction leads to minimum liquid water saturation and maximum limiting current density. Furthermore, oxygen transport is not only related to total liquid water saturation, but also depends on water distribution, with uniform water distribution in the through-plane direction being beneficial for oxygen transport.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Emmanuel Balogun, Peter Mardle, Hien Nguyen, Matthias Breitwieser, Steven Holdcroft
Summary: The study investigates the influence of catalyst ink composition on the current-voltage characteristics of fuel cells using fully hydrocarbon-based membrane-electrode-assemblies. It was found that the choice of dispersing medium in the ink affects the power density of the fuel cells, with MeOH-based inks showing higher power densities but also higher ionic resistance.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Divyesh Arora, Caroline Bonnet, Mainak Mukherjee, Stephane Rael, Francois Lapicque
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2019)
Article
Energy & Fuels
D. Arora, C. Bonnet, M. Mukherjee, S. Arunthanayothin, A. V. Shirsath, M. Lundgren, M. Burkardt, S. Kmiotek, S. Rael, F. Lapicque, S. Guichard
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2020)
Article
Electrochemistry
Anantrao Vijay Shirsath, Stephane Rael, Caroline Bonnet, Francois Lapicque
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2020)
Article
Electrochemistry
Lilian Moumaneix, Sebastien Fontana, Claire Herold, Francois Lapicque
Summary: In this study, nitrogen-doped graphenic materials with high surface area, good electrical conductivity, and a high density of active sites were investigated as promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction. Moderately crystallized materials with low oxygen content exhibited the highest catalytic properties, showing a current density larger than 30 mA cm(-2) and a maximum power density at 2.3 mW cm(-2).
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Lutz Schiffer, Anantrao Vijay Shirsath, Stephane Rael, Caroline Bonnet, Francois Lapicque, Wolfgang G. Bessler
Summary: This paper presents a study of electrochemical pressure impedance spectroscopy (EPIS) as a diagnosis tool for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). The study combines modeling and experimental approaches to analyze EPIS features. The findings highlight the influence of the humidifier gas volume on EPIS and the increased oscillations of oxygen partial pressure towards the channel outlet at the resonance frequency.
JOURNAL OF THE ELECTROCHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anantrao Vijay Shirsath, Caroline Bonnet, Stephane Rael, Francois Lapicque
Summary: Electrochemical pressure impedance spectroscopy (EPIS) is used to differentiate gas and liquid transport/transfer phenomena in electrochemical cells. This study investigates EPIS impedance in a membrane fuel cell under predominant gas transport control, with little presence of liquid water. Results show that operating the fuel cell with pure oxygen allows observation of gas convection, while oxygen dilution leads to diffusion phenomena. The presence of liquid water and poor management of it worsen gas transport situation in the porous layers.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Anantrao Vijay Shirsath, Caroline Bonnet, Divyesh Arora, Stephane Rael, Francois Lapicque
Summary: The manuscript focuses on using EPIS to investigate transport phenomena in a membrane fuel cell in the presence of liquid water. The study found that an increase in liquid water content leads to a higher impedance modulus. Diffusion in air superimposes upon previous phenomena, resulting in an increase in EPIS modulus and a decrease in phase shift.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wassim El Housseini, Mathieu Etienne, Elisabeth Lojou, Alain Walcarius, Francois Lapicque
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of a hybrid bioelectrocatalytic flow reactor with NADH cofactor regeneration using an immobilized rhodium mediator. A model of the complete process for NADH-based bioconversion is presented, investigating various phenomena involved in the system. The kinetics of the redox process and mass transfer coefficients were found to be significant factors in the reaction rate.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Amit Kumar Sharma, Pradeepta Kumar Sahoo, Mainak Mukherjee, Alok Patel
Summary: This study explores co-digestion of Jatropha de-oiled cake and cattle dung for biogas production and finds that the mixture achieves higher specific biogas production and methane concentration under mesophilic temperature conditions.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Environmental
Ajay Nahar, Anam Hasib, Gerry George, Mainak Mukherjee
ADVANCES IN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT SAFETY
(2018)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Environmental
Aayush Rastogi, Albert V. Rajan, Mainak Mukherjee
ADVANCES IN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT SAFETY
(2018)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Environmental
Jaideep Saraswat, Varima Agarwal, Mainak Mukherjee
ADVANCES IN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT SAFETY
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mainak Mukherjee, Surajit Mondal
INTERNATIONAL LETTERS OF NATURAL SCIENCES
(2015)
