Gas Diffusion Layers | Graphitized Paper, Panels and Activated Carbon Fiber

CAPLINQ is proud to partner with Engineered Fibers Technology (EFT) to supply its customers with high quality gas diffusion layer products. The press release issued highlights that under their Spectracarb™ brand name, EFT offers the widest range of porous graphitized paper and panels for gas diffusion layers in the industry. In addition to these porous paper based gas diffusion layers, EFT offer also activated carbon fiber products.

What are Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs)?

Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) are key components in various types of fuel cells, including:

• Proton Exchange Membrane(PEM) stacks
• Direct Methanol (DMFC) stacks
• Phosphoric Acid (PAFC) stacks
• Electrolyzers
• Redox Flow Batteries
• Other electrochemical devices

In fuel cells, this thin, porous sheet must provide high electrical and thermal conductivity and chemical/corrosion resistance, in addition to controlling the proper flow of reactant gases (hydrogen and air) and managing the water transport out of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

This layer must also have controlled compressibility to support the external forces from the assembly, and not deform into the bi-component plate channels to restrict flow. Other uses require different criteria, for example, electrolyzers require thicker, higher density porous plates, while humidifiers have most of the same requirements as fuel cell stacks, but the GDLs do not need to be electrically conductive.

Spectracarb Graphitized Carbon Fiber-based Paper

Spectracarb 2050 Gas Diffusion Layers are “graphitized“ carbon fiber-based nonwovens known as either sheets or panels. Though the difference in these terms is often trivial, thinner substrates are often called sheets, whereas thicker ones are more often referred to as panels. Both can be machined into "disks" which is often the preferred shape for circular stack-type applications. In all cases, these carbon fiber substrates are specifically designed for use in PEM, DMFC and PAFC fuel cells to transport reactant gases into and excess liquid product water out of the electrocatalyst layers.

Spectracarb Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) sheets are optimized for:

• Electrical Conductivity
• Mechanical Strength and Durability
• Gas/Air Permeability
• Water Management

Click to see an overview of GDL Graphitized Carbon Paper & Panels

Spectracarb Activated Carbon Fabric

Spectracarb 2225 Type 900 Activated Carbon Fabric (ACF) is a high surface area, drapeable cloth that is used in various electrochemical devices including ultracapacitors, electrical double layer capacitors, and battery electrodes. Spectracarb 2225 ACF also serves as the high surface area electrode in many electrochemical purification and electrosorption processes, as well as unique applications such as a carrier for thin film oxides in various devices. In addition to the commercial applications of Spectracarb ACF, its use continuous to be cited in numerous research programs and articles related to energy storage, purification and electrochemical processes.

Click to see an overview of GDL Activated Carbon Fabrics

Spectracarb Gas Diffusion Layer Comparison Table

Please use the table below to select the product that best fits your requirements.