Gas diffusion layer for fuel cell
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsChunxin Ji, Jeanette E. Owejan
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Abstract
A gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell is described. The gas diffusion layer includes a carbon fiber mat having a substantially open structure. Bloomed fibrillated acrylic pulp is added into a microporous layer ink. Alternatively, the bloomed fibrillated acrylic pulp can first be disposed on the carbon fiber mat, with the microporous layer ink added thereafter. When the microporous layer ink/bloomed fibrillated acrylic pulp mixture is coated on the carbon fiber mat, the ink penetrates through the open substrate, and is locked into place by the bloomed acrylic pulp fibers. This allows for a buildup of microporous layer ink on top of the substrate for added thickness when the bloomed fibrillated acrylic pulp sits on top of the mat.
Claims36
A method for forming a gas diffusion layer for use in fuel cells, comprising:
- providing a fibrous mat having a plurality of interstices formed in a surface thereof;
- providing a plurality of pulp fibers;
- causing the plurality of pulp fibers to bloom;
- providing a microporous layer;
- combining the plurality of bloomed pulp fibers and the microporous layer to form a mixture;
- and
- disposing the mixture on the fibrous mat, wherein the pulp fibers are operable to penetrate the plurality of interstices and adhere to the fibrous mat, wherein the microporous layer is held in place by the plurality of pulp fibers.
A method for forming a gas diffusion layer for use in fuel cells, comprising:
- providing a fibrous mat having a plurality of interstices formed in a surface thereof;
- providing a plurality of pulp fibers;
- disposing the pulp fibers on the fibrous mat, wherein the plurality of pulp fibers are caused to bloom prior to disposition on the fibrous mat, wherein the pulp fibers are operable to penetrate the plurality of interstices and adhere to the fibrous mat;
- and
- providing a microporous layer disposed on the fibrous mat, wherein the microporous layer is held in place by the plurality of pulp fibers.
A gas diffusion layer for use in fuel cells, comprising:
- a low areal weight fibrous mat;
- a plurality of pulp fibers disposed on the fibrous mat, wherein the pulp fibers are caused to bloom prior to being disposed on the fibrous mat;
- and
- a microporous layer disposed on the fibrous mat, wherein the microporous layer is held in place by the plurality of pulp fibers.
A gas diffusion layer for use in fuel cells, comprising:
- a low areal weight fibrous mat, wherein the fibrous mat includes a plurality of interstices formed in a surface thereof;
- a plurality of pulp fibers disposed on the fibrous mat, wherein the pulp fibers are caused to bloom prior to being disposed on the fibrous mat, wherein the pulp fibers are operable to penetrate the plurality of interstices and adhere to the fibrous mat;
- and
- a microporous layer disposed on the fibrous mat, wherein the microporous layer is held in place by the plurality of pulp fibers, wherein the microporous layer is comprised of an ink composition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.