Effect of diffusion-layer morphology on the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells operating at atmospheric pressure

In general, the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) containing membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with diffusion layers of Acetylene Black carbon are superior to those with Vulcan XC-72R carbon. It is suggested that the mechanism of improved performance is that lower porosity Acetylene Black is better at removing water from the MEA, thereby leading to improved gas diffusion. It appears that the diffusion layer plays a seminal role in the water management of the cell as well as in the humidification of the membrane electrolyte.