Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Mechanics

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, water and heat through electrochemical reactions at the anode and cathode. Central to their operation is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which comprises a proton‐conducting polymer electrolyte sandwiched between catalyst layers and gas diffusion layers (GDLs). GDLs ensure uniform reactant distribution, electrical conduction and water management, while bipolar plates distribute gases and collect current. Mechanical considerations such as clamping pressure, component alignment and hydration‐induced swelling govern interfacial contact resistance, mass transport pathways and structural integrity. Excessive compression may collapse pore networks and hinder gas diffusion, whereas insufficient pressure leads to gas leakage and high ohmic losses. Hydration cycles of the membrane induce swelling and shrinkage that generate stress within the MEA and adjoining layers, affecting durability. Misalignment of flow field plates or uneven loading can introduce shear stresses, causing GDL intrusion into flow channels and local deformation. Advances in modelling and experimental characterisation have elucidated non-linear compressive behaviour of porous electrodes, the influence of plate rib geometry on stress distribution, and microstructural damage mechanisms under repeated mechanical and thermal cycling. These insights inform optimised assembly protocols, material selection and component designs that enhance performance, extend service life and support commercial adoption of PEM fuel cell technology.

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Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Mechanics publication trend

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Technical terms

Gas diffusion layer (GDL): a porous carbon-based substrate that facilitates reactant gas transport, electron conduction and water removal within the fuel cell.

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA): the core electrochemical unit comprising the proton exchange membrane sandwiched between catalyst-coated electrodes and diffusion layers.

Bipolar plate (BPP): a conductive plate that separates adjacent cells in a stack, distributing gases to the electrodes and collecting electrical current.

Clamping pressure: the mechanical force applied during assembly to ensure contact between the MEA, GDLs and plates, critical for minimising interfacial resistance.

Proton exchange membrane: a hydrated polymer layer that selectively conducts protons while acting as a gas barrier between anode and cathode compartments.

References

1. Effect of clamping pressure on ohmic resistance and compression of gas diffusion layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Journal of Power Sources (2012).
2. A study of the effect of water management and electrode flooding on the dimensional change of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Journal of Power Sources (2013).
3. The impact of flow field plate misalignment on the gas diffusion layer intrusion and performance of a high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Journal of Power Sources (2021).
4. Optimization of the bipolar plate rib structure in proton exchange membrane fuel cells with an analytical method. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2022).
5. Improved analytical modeling and mechanical characterization of gas diffusion layers under compression load. Energy Science & Engineering (2020).
6. Effect of Clamping Compression on the Mechanical Performance of a Carbon Paper Gas Diffusion Layer in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells. Membranes (2022).