Measurement Technique of Oxygen Diffusion Resistance through Gas Diffusion Layer

Abstract

It is important to measure the oxygen diffusion resistance of both gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and catalyst layers (CLs) to improve the performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. In this study, we develop a technique to measure oxygen diffusion resistance with high precision. The technique uses an oxygen sensor and zinc-air batteries, which enhance the oxygen concentration gradient. Using this technique, the oxygen diffusion resistances of two GDLs with microporous layers (MPLs) with different porosity are measured. Experimental results show that the oxygen diffusion resistance of GDLs with a MPL decreases as the porosity of the MPL increases.