Micro/nano manufacturing of novel multifunctional layers for hydrogen production from water splitting

Liquid/gas diffusion layers (LGDLs) function as a medium to transport heat, electrons, and reactants/products in/out of the PEMECs simultaneously with minimum losses of electrical interfacial, thermal, and fluidics. As multifunctional layers, they are located between the catalyst layer (CL) and bipolar plate (BP), and play a critical role in enhancing the performance of water splitting in proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). With the help of the advanced micro/nano manufacturing methods, novel LGDLs with planar surface, small thickness and well-controllable pore morphologies are fabricated. The new thin LGDLs with different pore morphologies are also in-situ tested in PEMECs and a superior performance has been achieved. This novel thin LGDLs can be a new guide for future research and development towards high-efficiency and low-cost hydrogen energy.