Porous structure and wetting of fuel cell components as the factors determining their electrochemical characteristics

The results of studies of the principal components of the membrane-electrode assembly (ion-exchange and capillary membranes, polymer hydrophobization agents) obtained by standard contact porosimetry are considered. The phenomenon of inversion of ion-exchange groups of ionomers that affects the hydrophilic-hydrophobic properties of catalytic layers is described. The effect of the porous structure and wettability of components of the membrane-electrode assembly on the electrochemical characteristics of fuel cells is discussed. The bibliography includes 167 references.