Gas Diffusion Layers
Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) are key components in various types of fuel cells, including Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), Direct Methanol (DMFC) and Phosphoric Acid (PAFC) stacks as well as in other electrochemical devices such as electrolyzers. In fuel cells, this thin, porous sheet must provide high electrical and thermal conductivity and chemical / corrosion resistance, in addition to controlling the proper flow of reactant gases (hydrogen and air) and managing the water transport out of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). This layer must also have controlled compressibility to support the external forces from the assembly, and not deform into the bi-component plate channels to restrict flow. Other uses require different criteria, for example, electrolyzers require thicker, higher density porous plates, while humidifiers have most of the same requirements as fuel cell stacks, but the GDLs do not need to be electrically conductive. The GDL serves as a connection bridge between the MEA and graphite plate.
• A gas diffused pathway from flow channels to the catalyst layer
• Help removes by-produced water outside of the catalyst layer and prevent flooding
• Keep some water on surface for conductivity through the membrane
• Heat transfer during cell operation
• Helps provide enough mechanical strength to hold the MEA from extension caused by water absorbency
A hydrophobic treatment to GDL enables improved water transport. In PEM fuel cells, specifically water retention can result in lower power generation. These GDLs are treated with Teflon in order to make the material hydrophobic and improve water transport.
The purpose of the carbon Microporous Layer (MPL) is to minimize the contact resistance between the GDL and catalyst layer, limit the loss of catalyst to the GDL interior and help to improve water management as it provides effective water transport. MPL treatment is especially recommended for use with CCM (Catalyst Coated Membrane).
The Fuel Cell Store proudly carries the largest selection of carbon based Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) in the world! If you know of a Gas Diffusion Layer we do not carry please contact us and let us know!
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AvCarb GDS2255
AvCarb Gas Diffusion Systems (GDS) combine carbon fiber paper, a PTFE treatment and micro-porous lay..
$33.00
AvCarb GDS3260
AvCarb Material Solution’s Gas Diffusion System GDS3260 EP40 combines AvCarb's proprietary carbon fi..
$33.00
AvCarb GDS5130
AvCarb Gas Diffusion Systems (GDS) combine carbon fiber paper, a PTFE treatment and micro-porous lay..
$33.00
AvCarb GDS22100
AvCarb Material Solution’s Gas Diffusion System GDS22100 combines AvCarb's proprietary carbon fiber ..
$33.00
AvCarb MGL190
AvCarb® MGL190 is a superior carbon paper for fuel cell and electrolyzer applications. MGL190 demons..
$27.00
AvCarb MGL280
AvCarb® MGL280 is a superior carbon paper for fuel cell and electrolyzer applications. MGL280 demons..
$27.00
AvCarb MGL370
AvCarb® MGL370 is a superior carbon paper for fuel cell and electrolyzer applications. MGL370 demons..
$27.00
Panex PW03 Carbon Fiber Fabric
Zoltek™ Panex PX30 PW03 woven carbon fiber fabric has high cross-ply tensile and interlaminar shear ..
$19.00
Panex PW06 Carbon Fiber Fabric
Zoltek™ Panex PX30 PW06 woven carbon fiber fabric has high cross-ply tensile and interlaminar shear ..
$20.00
Plain Carbon Cloth - 1071 HCB
AvCarb 1071 HCB plain carbon cloth fabric is designed to meet the demanding requirements of friction..
$26.00
AvCarb G475A Soft Graphite Battery Felt
With redox flow battery developers in mind, AvCarb® felts are engineered to exhibit low thru-plane r..
$33.00
Custom Carbon Paper with MPL
We now offer custom carbon papers with a microporous layer (MPL) by applying an MPL to a carbon pape..
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Sigracet 22 BB
Sigracet 22 BB is a non-woven carbon paper with a Microporous Layer (MPL) that has been PTFE treated..
$35.00
Sigracet 25 BC
Sigracet 25 BC is a non-woven carbon paper with a Microporous Layer (MPL) that has been PTFE treated..
$24.00
Sigracet 22 AA
Please note that this product has been discontinued and a limited amount of stock remains. Manu..
$35.00