Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) is a very important supporting material in a MEA, the heart of a fuel cell. GDL serves as a connect bridge between MEA and graphite plate, and the main functions of GDL include the followings:

1. A gas diffused pathway from flow channels to the catalyst layer.
2. Help removing by-produced water outside of the catalyst layer and prevent flooding.
3. Keep some water on surface for conductivity through the membrane.
4. Heat transfer during cell operation.
5. Provide enough mechanical strength to hold MEA from extension caused by water absorbance.

The CeTech Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) is specially developed as a carbon fiber paper and carbon fiber cloth for PEMFC and DMFC fuel cell applications. And CeTech GDL has well performance in the fuel cell efficiency test. The 2nd generation of carbon substrate has been well developed, and the new substrate is presented with the better performance and proprieties. For the details, please find the sections of product N series and W series.

Types of GDLs:

A. Carbon Paper

B. Carbon Cloth

C. Carbon Plate

Carbon Paper Substrates Performance Curve

1. Offer many types of GDLs for different operating conditions

2. GDL can be customized for specific operating conditions

Types of GDLs

A. Carbon Paper (with Micro Porous Layer)

B. Carbon Paper (without Micro Porous Layer and PTFE)

 C New Carbon Paper 

D. Carbon Cloth (with / without Micro Porous Layer)

E. Carbon Plate GPP050M & GPP070M 

 F Carbon Plate GPP035 & GPP043

Specifications of Carbon Cloth

Carbon Cloth without MPL+PTFE

Measurement

Unit

Method

W0S1011

Thickness

mm

TECLOCK SM-114

0.36

Basic Weight

g/m2

ASTM D-646

130

Air Permeability

sec

Gurley

 <10

Through-Plane Resistance

mΩcm2

ASTM C-611

 <5

Tensile Strength (MD)

N/cm

ASTM D-828

10

Tensile Strength (XD)

N/cm

5

 Carbon Cloth with MPL+PTFE

Carbon Cloth Applications:

• PEMFC fuel cell gas diffusion layer
• DMFC fuel cell gas diffusion layer
• MFC microbial fuel cell gas diffusion layer
• Friction element/friction material substrate (ex. Automotive clutch facing, drag washer)
• Carbon-carbon composite substrate

Test Equipment

FCED® PD50 / Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd.

Reaction Area 

25 c㎡

Fuel Supply Method 

Constant Flow

Type of Anode Fuel 

H2

Type of Cathode Fuel

Air

Anode Gas Flow

1.5 slpm

Cathode Gas Flow 

2.5 slpm

Anode Humidification Temperature 

65℃

Cathode Humidification Temperature 

65℃

Relative Humidity 

90%

Torque 

25 kgf cm

Battery Temperature 

60℃

Back Pressure 

Non

Bipolar Plate 

gate-type

Gasket(@50Kpa)

260 microns

CCM

Catalyst loading:An/Ca 0.1/0.3 mg/cm2。

GDL

W1S1011

Carbon Paper without Micro Porous Layer and PTFE 

Measurement

Unit

Method

GDS180S 

GDS210 

GDS230 

GDS250  

GDS310  

Thickness

mm

TECLOCK SM-114

0.18

0.21

0.23

Basic Weight

g/m2

ASTM D-646

50

50

65

Air Permeability

sec

Gurley

Through-Plane Resistance

mΩcm2

ASTM C-611

Tensile Strength (MD)

N/cm

ASTM D-828

25

24

24

Tensile Strength (XD)

N/cm

18

20

22

Flexural Modulus (MD)

MPa

ASTM D-828

3500

4700

4000

Flexural Modulus (XD)

MPa

1500

1600

1500

Porosity

%

Mercury Intrusion 

Porosimeters

70

70

70

Carbon Paper with Micro Porous Layer and PTFE  

Carbon Papers with High Heat Treatment

Measurement

Unit

Method

Without MPL & PTFE

With MPL & PTFE

GDS090S

GDS180SHT

GDL120S

GDL210SHT 

Thickness

mm

TECLOCK SM-114

0.09

0.18

0.12

0.21

Basic Weight

g/m2

ASTM D-646

55

50

80

85

Air Permeability

sec

Gurley

Through-Plane Resistance*2

mΩcm2

ASTM C-611

Tensile Strength (MD)

N/cm

ASTM D-828

15

25

20

35

Tensile Strength (XD)

N/cm

10

18

15

17

Voltage Loss *1

mV

ASTM D-828

Porosity

%

Mercury Intrusion 

Porosimeters

60

70

60

70

Heat Treatment

°C

2700

2200

2700

2200

CeTech Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) Selection Guide

Electrochemical Performance Specifications

GDL210SHT and GDL240 Electrochemical Performance

GDL120 Electrochemical Performance

Product Features:

• Low resistance

• Hydrogen generator applicable

• Incompressible 

Specifications of Titanium Fiber Paper:

High Porosity: 60-75%

• Thickness: 0.25/ 0.40/ 0.6/ 0.8 mm

• Dimensions: 20x20 cm

• Custom dimensions are welcome

Low Porosity: 45-60%

• Thickness: 0.25/ 0.40/ 0.6/ 0.8 mm

• Dimensions: 20x20 cm

•Custom dimensions are welcome.

Specifications of Nickel Fiber Paper

Nickel Fiber Paper Technology Data 

 * All data are the average values that do not represent specifications and tolerance.

1. Porosity: 65-85%
2. Dimensions: 20x20 cm
3. Hi-tech product with metals characteristics, electric and heat conductivity,
4. high strength, corrosion, and high-temperature resistance

Applications: As a Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL)

1. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC)
2. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)
3. Redox Flow Batteries
4. Electrolyzers
5. Water Treatment System

Product Features:
1. Excellent Chemical Stability
2. High surface area
3. Improve electrochemical reactions