Modeling liquid water transport in gas diffusion layers by topologically equivalent pore network

Gang Luo, Yan Ji, Chao Yang Wang, Puneet K. Sinha

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Scopus citations

Abstract

A topologically equivalent pore network (TEPN) model is developed for the first time to extract pore networks directly from gas diffusion layer (GDL) microstructures and thus account for all structural features of a GDL material. A generic framework of TEPN modeling is presented to design GDL structures that enable improved water management. With TEPNs used as input to a two-phase flow simulator, constitutive relations and steady-state liquid saturation profiles for carbon paper and carbon cloth are obtained and reported in this work. The results indicate a strong influence of the GDL morphology on water transport characteristics, which helps unravel the structure-performance relationship for GDLs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5332-5341
Number of pages10
JournalElectrochimica Acta
Volume55
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 30 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Chemical Engineering(all)
  • Electrochemistry

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