For the microscale study and characterization of GDLs, we perform X-ray micro-ct scans of commercially available carbon paper with a spatial resolution down to 0.66um. The reconstructed skeleton is then used with advanced numerical methods to measure the transport properties of the material, such as species diffusivities, permeabilites and thermal/electrical conductivities. (Related work)

Microscopic view below the open surface of a drying bead packing made with glass beads of size 300-400um.

Results published at Physical Review E (2012). (Download paper)