Laser Based Rapid Manufacturing of Metallic Gas Diffusion Layers for PEM Fuel Cells
Abstract
Gas Diffusion layers (GDL’s) are an essential component of Polymer
Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells (PEMFC’s) which aid in thermal & electrical
conductivities, water management and act as backup layers for the membrane
electrode assemblies. This paper summarizes the effort to prototype metallic GDL
designs using a miniature laser deposition system developed at Missouri University
of Science & Technology. The pore sizes are controlled by masking the diverging
laser beam using stainless steel masks of varying sizes and shapes. The through
pore feature and further treatment of the GDL’s for hydrophobicity reduces the
water management issue and thereby increases the performance of the fuel cells.
The operational characteristics of the GDL can be optimized by understanding the
effect of the key parameters like fluid permeability, porosity, hydrophobicity and the
surface morphology.