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Optimization of Perfluoropolyether-Based Gas Diffusion Media Preparation for PEM Fuel Cells

Author

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  • Riccardo Balzarotti

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, Via Lambruschini 4, 20156 Milano, Italy)

  • Saverio Latorrata

    (Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy)

  • Marco Mariani

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via La Masa 1, 20156 Milano, Italy)

  • Paola Gallo Stampino

    (Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy)

  • Giovanni Dotelli

    (Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy)

Abstract

A hydrophobic perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-based polymer, namely Fluorolink ® P56, was studied instead of the commonly used polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), in order to enhance gas diffusion media (GDM) water management behavior, on the basis of a previous work in which such polymers had already proved to be superior. In particular, an attempt to optimize the GDM production procedure and to improve the microporous layer (MPL) adhesion to the substrate was carried out. Materials properties have been correlated with production routes by means of both physical characterization and electrochemical tests. The latter were performed in a single PEM fuel cell, at different relative humidity (namely 80% on anode side and 60%/100% on cathode side) and temperature (60 °C and 80 °C) conditions. Additionally, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed in order to assess MPLs properties and to determine the influence of production procedure on cell electrochemical parameters. The durability of the best performing sample was also evaluated and compared to a previously developed benchmark. It was found that a final dipping step into PFPE-based dispersion, following MPL deposition, seems to improve the adhesion of the MPL to the macro-porous substrate and to reduce diffusive limitations during fuel cell operation.

Suggested Citation

  • Riccardo Balzarotti & Saverio Latorrata & Marco Mariani & Paola Gallo Stampino & Giovanni Dotelli, 2020. "Optimization of Perfluoropolyether-Based Gas Diffusion Media Preparation for PEM Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:7:p:1831-:d:343717
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saverio Latorrata & Paola Gallo Stampino & Cinzia Cristiani & Giovanni Dotelli, 2017. "Performance Evaluation and Durability Enhancement of FEP-Based Gas Diffusion Media for PEM Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Wang, Yun & Chen, Ken S. & Mishler, Jeffrey & Cho, Sung Chan & Adroher, Xavier Cordobes, 2011. "A review of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells: Technology, applications, and needs on fundamental research," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(4), pages 981-1007, April.
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    4. Wong, A.K.C. & Ge, N. & Shrestha, P. & Liu, H. & Fahy, K. & Bazylak, A., 2019. "Polytetrafluoroethylene content in standalone microporous layers: Tradeoff between membrane hydration and mass transport losses in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C), pages 549-560.
    5. Riccardo Balzarotti & Saverio Latorrata & Paola Gallo Stampino & Cinzia Cristiani & Giovanni Dotelli, 2015. "Development and Characterization of Non-Conventional Micro-Porous Layers for PEM Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(7), pages 1-14, July.
    6. Zhongmin Wan & Huawei Chang & Shuiming Shu & Yongxiang Wang & Haolin Tang, 2014. "A Review on Cold Start of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(5), pages 1-25, May.
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    8. Ozden, Adnan & Shahgaldi, Samaneh & Li, Xianguo & Hamdullahpur, Feridun, 2018. "A graphene-based microporous layer for proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Characterization and performance comparison," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 485-494.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marco Mariani & Andrea Basso Peressut & Saverio Latorrata & Riccardo Balzarotti & Maurizio Sansotera & Giovanni Dotelli, 2021. "The Role of Fluorinated Polymers in the Water Management of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Jin-Soo Park, 2021. "Hydrogen-Based Energy Conversion: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells and Electrolysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-2, August.
    3. Ikechukwu S. Anyanwu & Zhiqiang Niu & Daokuan Jiao & Aezid-Ul-Hassan Najmi & Zhi Liu & Kui Jiao, 2020. "Liquid Water Transport Behavior at GDL-Channel Interface of a Wave-Like Channel," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-20, May.

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