Investigation of effects of hydrophilic micro-porous layer on liquid water behavior by X-ray imaging

In this study, X-ray imaging and electrochemical measurements were simultaneously performed to clarify the effects of properties micro-porous layers (MPLs) on i-V performance liquid water behavior (LWB) polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) operating at a cell temperature 50 ∘ C relative humidity 80 %. To evaluate wettability, structure thickness MPLs, four types MPLs tested. The results demonstrate that LW accumulation (LWA) in substrate part decreased hydrophilic by mechanism sucks up evaporates it. Moreover, using carbon fiber (CF) material demonstrated less LWA than those black (CB). Furthermore, difference MPL significantly affects LWB, indicating optimization is necessary. These indicates effectively suppress enhance oxygen transport. • are studied in-situ visualization. Hydrophilic wicks from accumulated layer. Carbon case demonstrates higher case. Thicker reduced compared thinner MPL.