Fabrication of novel carbon nanofiber membrane microporous layer to improve water management ability of PEMFC

The issue of water flooding in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) under conditions of humidity levels leads to significant mass transfer losses. To address this challenge, a fiber-structured microporous layer (MPL) with high porosity is developed, and investigates the impact of carbon nanotube (CNT) on its heat treatment process. The inclusion of CNT facilitates the cyclization of polyacrylonitrile in the pre-oxidation process. Thereby reduces the fracture of nanofibers, improved the microstructure and the porosity of the membrane during carbonization. The carbon nanofiber membranes containing CNT shows a higher oriented arrangement of carbon grains after graphitization. The high porosity of the fiber membrane MPL confers exceptional mass transfer capabilities. At 100% RH, the MPL sample CFP-2C improves the maximum power density and a maximum current density of PEMFC by 47.5% and 55.3%, respectively, compares to the conventional carbon black particles MPL.