A new microstructure-based paradigm for designing the gas diffusion media of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

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With shortage of crude oil and global warming, energy is a central issue facing the world today. Fuel cells have emerged as a promising clean-energy technology that may contribute to resolving the looming energy crisis. A hydrogen fuel cell reacts hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. The obvious benefit is zero harmful emission, the only product being water. When used in automobiles and household appliances, fuel cells are quiet and exceptionally clean, and avoid most of the environmental pollution from burning fossil fuels. Fuel cell technology has found some niche applications already, but large-scale commercialization is still hampered by high cost, poor durability and performance. A key factor that limits the power output is the management of vapor and liquid water in fuel cells. Too little water causes membrane dry-out and loss of