Abstract
Single-layer electrodes (SLEs) were used instead of the conventional multi-layer electrodes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The cell consists of a polymer electrolyte membrane, catalyst layers and separators with a microchannel. Removing microporous layers and gas diffusion layers has a potential to enhance the through-plane mass transfer efficiency. The largest challenge is degradation of in-plane diffusivity of gas and water under the ribs. In this study, two types of the cell were developed for the fundamental understanding of gas and water transport in the SLE-PEFCs. The cells indicated that overpotential under rib is much larger than that under the channel of the cathode.
