Teijin Limited announced that it has developed
a gas-diffusion layer (GDL) with a thickness of just 50 micrometers, the industry’s
thinnest level, by combining the company’s ultra-fine fibrous carbon and para-aramid
fiber using proprietary papermaking technology. Teijin expects its new GDL to contribute
to the realization of smaller, more functional and lower cost fuel cells, the demand for
which is expanding.
The GDL is a component used inside a fuel cell to supply hydrogen and oxygen, collect
electrons generated by the chemical reaction of the electrodes, and drain water
generated in the process.
The GDL's microporous structure incorporates Teijin’s PotenCia®
fine carbon fiber and
Twaron® para-aramid fiber, which are combined in a manufacturing process that has
been sped up by deploying proprietary paper-making technology. PotenCia® enables the
new GDL to achieve excellent conductivity without damaging the catalyst layer inside the
fuel cell while Twaron® contributes to high durability and water repellency. As a result, a
conventional microporous layer (MPL) is not required, allowing the new GDL to be
slimmed down to 50 micrometers, which is less than half the thickness of a conventional
GDL. The new GDL is also expected to reduce production costs by shortening the
manufacturing process as well as reducing the number of raw materials required.
Teijin is now verifying the GDL's gas diffusion and thermal conductivity, both
indispensable for high performance, and also its contribution to reduced environmental
impact. Concurrently, Teijin plans to develop new materials that could use the GDL, such
as electrode films, in partnership with other companies that share Teijin's vision for
achieving smaller and more functional fuel cells.
Teijin leveraged its extensive experience with fiber-processing technology to develop
PotenCia®
, an ultrafine fibrous carbon featuring long fibers and high crystallinity. To take
advantage of the carbon's thermal conductivity and other special properties, Teijin
50µm
Cross section of Teijin’s new GDL Manufacturing conventional GDL (above) and new GDL
focused on the possibility to realizing an extra-thin GDL for fuel cells. GDLs usually
comprise a conductive fiber sheet made of durable carbon, which is combined with a
water-repellent MPL that prevents the accumulation of water but increases the GDL's
thickness, thereby lowering the fuel cell's power performance while adding to the
manufacturing cost.
The new GDL will be showcased (Booth 1-40) at the FC Expo, which will take place at
Tokyo Big Sight from March 15 to 17.
Going forward, Teijin expects to strengthen its development of high-performance
materials and solutions for advanced fuel cell products under the company's long-term
vision of becoming a company that supports the society of the future.
