New gas diffusion layers for fuel cells and mthod for obtaining them

Abstract

The present invention relates to a GDL for PEMfuel cells formed by a macroporous substrate layer (MPS) and a microporous carbon layer (MPL), the MPS being formed by carbon fibers and plant fibers, wherein the plant fibers mainly comprise esparto fibers. Likewise, the procedure for manufacturing the GDLs is provided, which comprises: a) Generation of a paper-carbon pulp, using esparto plant fibers, b) Filtering; c) Homogenization; d) Cold pressing and compaction of the paper-carbon film; e) Curing the paper-carbon film at room temperature for a minimum period of 12 hours, f) Generation of the MPS by thermal treatment of the cured paper-carbon film at temperatures not exceeding 1,050°C; g) Obtaining the MPL layer; h) Application of a 2% perfluoroexane aqueous solution to the GDL obtained and subsequent curing process at 100-150 °C for 10-20 minutes.