Gas diffusion layer degradation in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: Mechanisms, characterization techniques and modelling approaches

Abstract Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been considered as a promising power source for electric vehicles. However, the widespread use of PEMFCs requires a significant improvement in durability. As a key component of PEMFCs, gas diffusion layer (GDL) does not only provide a mechanical support for other fuel cell components, but also governs the mass, heat, and electron transport that directly affect cell performance. In this paper, the latest research progress of GDL durability is reviewed from three aspects: degradation mechanisms, experimental methods, and modelling approaches. The six degradation modes of GDLs, namely chemical oxidation, electrochemical carbon corrosion, freezing/thawing, mechanical degradation, material dissolution and erosion by gas flow are discussed under different cell operating conditions. Experimental techniques, including the long-term and accelerated stress tests (AST) and methods for measuring property deterioration are then introduced. Several AST protocols have been developed to decouple the above degradation modes, but few have tried to relate these tests with GDL degradation in practice. Modelling approaches relating to GDL degradation are also covered. Although various types of models have been developed for multiple purposes, a complete model from the mechanistic level to the cell performance is still missing.