The ionomers, gas diffusion layers (GDLs), bipolar plates, and interfaces thrust is studying how ionomers in electrode layers and membranes interact with catalysts and support materials and determining how to design interfaces between the membrane, the catalyst layer, the GDLs, and bipolar plates to get the highest-performing individual cell components.
Component Thrusts
3Ionomers, Gas Diffusion Layers, Bipolar Plates, & Interfaces
Cross-Cutting Thrusts
Research Focus
Membranes and Ionomer Films
FC-PAD is researching membranes and ionomer films to:
- Examine state-of-the-art membranes including stabilization and reinforcement—for example, stability of cerium, crack propagation, and structure-function
- Examine thin-film properties—for example, casting conditions and solvents, chemistry, and substrate.
Gas Diffusion Layers
FC-PAD is researching GDLs to examine water-transport controls and impacts through in-situ and accelerated stress test (AST) characterization.
Bipolar Plates
FC-PAD is researching bipolar plates to examine leachate ions and corrosion products and contact resistance.
Interfaces
FC-PAD is researching interfaces to investigate the GDL/channel droplet interface, catalyst layer interface, and areas of high porosity.
Participating Labs
These national laboratories will conduct the foundational technical work in the ionomers, gas diffusion layers, bipolar plates, and interfaces thrust area:
Contact
Ahmet Kusoglu
Ionomers, Gas Diffusion Layers, Bipolar Plates, and Interfaces Thrust Coordinator
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
[email protected]