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Enquire directly →What is a Gas Diffusion Layer?
A gas diffusion layer (GDL) is a porous, electrically conductive carbon paper positioned between the bipolar plate and the catalyst layer in a PEM cell. It performs three essential functions: distributing reactant gases uniformly across the catalyst surface, conducting electrons between the catalyst layer and bipolar plate, and managing water transport — removing product water from the cathode in a fuel cell, or managing liquid water flow in an electrolyzer.
GDL surface treatment is application-specific. Hydrophobic treatment (typically PTFE-based) is standard for fuel cell cathode GDLs, promoting efficient water removal and preventing flooding that would otherwise block gas access to the catalyst layer. Hydrophilic GDLs are used in specific electrolyzer and water management configurations where liquid water transport through the GDL is required rather than rejected.
A microporous layer (MPL) — a thin coating of carbon and PTFE applied to one or both faces of the GDL — improves contact resistance with the catalyst layer and further refines water management characteristics. Hydrogenergy supplies GDL carbon paper in hydrophilic and hydrophobic variants, with single or double-sided microporous layer options, custom-cut to your required dimensions for MEA assembly and stack manufacturing.