eCoCell: A High-Performance and Sustainable GDL for PEM Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

Abstract In this work, we present a new family of gas diffusion layers (GDLs), termed eCoCell, developed in our laboratories. These GDLs exhibit outstanding performance in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and on the cathode side of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs). The gas diffusion layer is a critical component of both fuel cells and electrolyzers. It plays a key role in transporting electrons to the current collectors, distributing reactants to the catalyst layer, and removing heat and water generated during the redox reactions inside the device. A notable feature of the eCoCell GDLs is that up to 40% of their composition consists of natural fibers. Despite this, they maintain high electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as excellent porosity and pore morphology, ensuring effective gas and water permeability. The eCoCell GDLs display high in-plane and through-plane electrical conductivity, optimal porosity and hydrophobicity, and outstanding physical and electrochemical stability. Two configurations were fabricated: one incorporating a microporous layer (MPL) optimized for PEMFCs, and another without an MPL, designed specifically for PEMWEs. The results demonstrate that this new generation of GDLs enables efficient integration into both PEMFC and PEMWE systems, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution that supports the broader deployment of hydrogen technologies