Pore-Scale Investigation of Coupled Two-Phase and Reactive Transport in the Cathode Electrode of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Abstract A three-dimensional multicomponent multiphase lattice Boltzmann model (LBM) is established to the coupled two-phase and reactive transport phenomena in cathode electrode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The gas diffusion layer (GDL) microporous (MPL) are stochastically reconstructed with inside dynamic distribution oxygen liquid water resolved, catalyst simplified as a superthin address electrochemical reaction, which provides clear description flooding effect on mass performance. Different kinds electrodes determine optimum porosity structure design GDL MPL by comparing resistance performance under condition. simulation results show that gradient helps increase area average concentration flooding. presence ensures space reaction because cannot through micropores. Moreover, uniform for an efficient in-plane capacity. Crack perforation structures can accelerate assembly. systematic yields best separating oxygen.