The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one
of the most
promising energy conversion devices. However, a PEMFC is hindered
by the serious problem of water management. Herein, a Janus gas diffusion
layer (Janus GDL) that can spontaneously transport water from the
hydrophobic side to the hydrophilic side was prepared by layer-by-layer
filtration and laser drilling. The Janus GDL exhibits a remarkable
antiflooding capability at the equivalent current density of 3.25
A cm–2 (2.3–2.5 times compared to the commercial
GDL) in the half-cell. Because of the low water breakthrough pressure
(29 Pa), the Janus GDL drains excessive water immediately, thus preventing
heavy electrode floodings. As a result, the Janus GDL shows a higher
peak power density (1.89 W cm–2 vs 1.17 W cm–2 of commercial GDL). Therefore, the Janus GDL is promising
for use in PEMFCs and other electrochemical devices to get a good
water management.
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