Microporous layer structures and gas diffusion layer assemblies in proton exchange membrane fuel cells
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsZijie Lu, James Waldecker
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Abstract
In at least one embodiment, a microporous layer configured to be disposed between a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell electrode assembly is provided. The microporous layer may have defined therein a plurality of hydrophilic pores, a plurality of hydrophobic pores with a diameter of 0.02 to 0.5 μm, and a plurality of bores with a diameter of 0.5 to 100 μm. The microporous layer structures and gas diffusion layer assemblies disclosed herein may be defined by a number of various designs and arrangements for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems.
Claims14
A microporous layer configured to be disposed between a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell electrode assembly, the microporous layer comprising:
- a plurality of hydrophilic pores;
- a plurality of hydrophobic pores with a diameter of 0.02 to 0.5 μm;
- and
- a plurality of bores with a diameter of 0.5 to 100 μm.
A microporous layer configured to be disposed between a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell electrode assembly, the microporous layer comprising:
- a material layer having defined therein a plurality of hydrophilic pores, a plurality of hydrophobic pores with a diameter of 0.05 to 0.2 μm, and a plurality of frustoconical bores, each having a base end having a diameter of 0.5 to 100 μm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.