Inhomogeneous Distribution of Polytetrafluorethylene in Gas Diffusion Layers of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Abstract Polymer electrolyte fuel cells require gas diffusion layers that can efficiently distribute the feeding gases from channel structure to catalyst layer on both sides of membrane. On cathode side, these must also allow transport liquid product water in a counter flow direction air channels where it be blown away by flow. In this study, two-phase fibrous structures was simulated using lattice Boltzmann method. Liquid is affected hydrophilic treatment fibers. Following assumption polytetrafluorethylene preferably concentrated at crossings fibers, impact its spatial distribution analyzed. Both homogeneous and inhomogeneous investigated. The concentration upstream region advantage for fast through layer. Special attention given topmost fiber Moreover, covering fibers leads large contact angles.