This study aims to investigate the effect of different gas diffusion layers (GDLs) on freeze/ thaw condition durability in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Three kinds of GDLsecloth, felt and paper typedwith similar basic properties except thickness and bending stiffness were used. The changes in the properties and cell performance were investigated from the Γ30 to 70 C range of freeze/thaw cycles. The IeV performance degradation was observed to be negligible for the felt GDL whereas the cloth and paper GDLs showed a marked IeV performance loss. No distinctive correlation between the changes in electrochemical properties, such as active metal surface area, hydrogen crossover rates and decreased IeV performance, was observed except an increase in ohmic resistance revealed by ac-impedance spectroscopy. The physical destruction of electrodes was also shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis.
The present study found that sufficient mechanical supporting force between the interfaces of materials enhances PEFC durability in sub-zero temperature conditions.