• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2011.11a
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• pp.81.2-81.2
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• 2011

The gas diffusion layer (GDL) consists of two main parts, the GDL backing layer, called as a substrate and the micro porous layer (MPL) coated on the GDBL. In this process, carbon particles of MPL penetrates to the GDBL consequently forms MPL penetration part. In this study, the micro porous layer (MPL) penetration thickness is determined as a design parameter of the GDL which affect pore size distribution profile through the GDL inducing different mass transfer characteristics. The pore size distribution and water permeability characteristics of the GDL are investigated and the cell performance is evaluated under fully/low humidification conditions. Transient response and voltage instability are also studied. In addition, to determine the effects of MPL penetration on the degradation, the carbon corrosion stress test is conducted. The GDL that have deep MPL penetration thickness shows better performance in high current density region because of enhanced water management, however, loss of penetrated MPL parts is shown after aging and it induces worse water management characteristics.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2010.11a
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• pp.77.1-77.1
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• 2010

Durability problems of gas diffusion layer(GDL) is one of the important issues for accomplishing commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cell(PEMFC). GDL is strongly related to the performance of PEMFC because one of the main function of GDL is to work as a path of fuel, air and water. When the GDL is degraded, it causes water balance problems such as the flooding phenomenon. Thus, investigating the durability characteristics of the GDL is important and understanding the GDL degradation process is needed. In this study, the GDLs are degraded by carbon corrosion stress method which is the electrochemical degradation mode. To determine the effects of carbon corrosion of the GDL, 1.45 V of potential is imposed for 96 hours. In this manner, in the previous research, the structure between the substrate and the MPL is weaken. Further investigations are needed to clarify this phenomenon. Therefore, in this study, the carbon corrosion stress method is carried out with GDLs which have various MPL penetration levels and the effects of the MPL penetration level on the characteristics change of the GDL are analyzed. The changes in characteristics are measured with various properties of GDL such as weight, thickness and static contact angle. The degraded GDL shows loss of their properties.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.216-222
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• 2013

Durability characteristics of Gas Diffusion Layer(GDL) is one of the important issues for accomplishing commercialization of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell(PEMFC). It is strongly related to the performances of PEMFC because one of the main functions of GDL is to work as a path of fuel, air and water. When the GDL does not work on their proposed functions due to the degradation of durability, mass transfer in PEMFC is disturbed and it might cause the flooding phenomenon. Thus, investigating the durability of GDL is important and understanding the GDL degradation process is needed. In this study, electrochemical degradation with carbon corrosion is introduced. The carbon corrosion experiment is carried out with GDLs which have different MPL penetration thicknesses. After the experiment, the amount of degradation of GDL is measured with various properties of GDL such as weight, thickness and performance of the PEMFC. The degraded GDL shows loss of their properties.