Synthesis of conformal and fluorine-free coatings on gas diffusion layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Pressure to decarbonize the transport sector is constantly rising and polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are a promising technology for this purpose, thanks to their high power, high efficiency, fast refilling and potentially zero-emissions. However, to achieve reliable and cost-effective systems, existing challenges related to performance and durability need to be overcome.

A fuel cell produces, besides electrical power, water as a reaction product. The generated water needs to leave the cell through the same transport pathways used by the reactant gases to reach the catalyst and make the reaction happen, causing mass transport losses over time. Thus, enhancing water management in the gas diffusion layer and in the microporous layer is a powerful approach to improve the system.

The project aims to tackle this challenge on both sides. On one side, electrochemical techniques are explored on the gas diffusion layer, in order to achieve conformal hydrophobic coatings covalently bonded to the substrate. On the other side, new synthetic pathways for the microporous layer are investigated, trying to control the microstructure and its effects on the overall system.