Gas Diffusion Layers

Carbon paper and carbon cloth gas diffusion layers for fuel cells, electrolyzers, CO₂ electrolysis, and flow batteries. Made in house in Bryan, Texas. Wet-proofing and a microporous layer can be added.

Shop Standard GDLs. Request a Custom GDL.

What is a gas diffusion layer?

A gas diffusion layer is a porous conductive sheet between the catalyst and the flow field. It moves gas, helps manage liquid water, carries current, and supports the catalyst layer. Carbon paper is the rigid sheet. Carbon cloth is the flexible sheet.

Choose the layer

Carbon paper. Thin and consistent. Fuel cells, test cells, and gas diffusion electrodes.

Carbon cloth. Flexible, with a more open pore structure. Fuel cells, flow batteries, and liquid-electrolyte cells.

Microporous layer. A finer carbon layer on one or both sides. It keeps catalyst ink out of the large pores and manages gas and water. None, one side, or both sides.

Wet-proofing. A PTFE treatment that limits liquid water in the pores. The level depends on the cell.

Do not use a carbon gas diffusion layer on the anode of a PEM electrolyzer. Carbon oxidizes at that anode.

Applications

PEM and high-temperature PEM fuel cells, hydrogen-air and hydrogen-oxygen cells, direct alcohol fuel cells, CO₂ electrolysis, alkaline and anion-exchange-membrane electrodes, and redox-flow batteries. Selected layers are also used in metal-air electrodes, hydrogen pumps, and electrochemical sensors.

Fuel Cells Etc manufactures ELAT carbon cloth in this collection, and can wet-proof, add a microporous layer, and catalyst-coat it in house.

For a width, wet-proof level, or microporous layer that is not listed, request a quote. Include the application, paper or cloth, size, microporous layer, wet-proofing, and quantity.