GDL Media Development for Improved PEM Fuel Cell Performance

Hydrogen fueled PEMFC stack systems for powering automobiles offer an excellent opportunity for the United States to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and to reduce emissions- However, cost of the fuel cell power system is still too high compared to the 2020 DOE target of $40/kW- The achievable stack power density is the single most dominant factor affecting cost of automotive stacks and it is imperative that maximum possible power output is realized from the stack operation to minimize its cost- Effective water management is needed to maximize the power output of PEMFCs- The proposed project will develop a novel technique for hydrophobic treatment of gas diffusion layer (GDL) media leading to its commercialization- The novel hydrophobic treatment will result in lesser water retention, greater capillary breakthrough pressure, and fewer transport limitations than those exhibited by the treatments applied in commercially available GDL materials and will increase power output of automotive PEMFCs by more than 10%- Improved stack performance will directly reduce the stack cost per unit power output helping to approach the $40/kW target- Improved water management will minimize flooding and freezing related shutdowns and enhance durability-