Porous Flow Field for Next-Generation Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Materials, Characterization, Design, and Challenges

Porous flow fields distribute fuel and oxygen for the electrochemical reactions of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells through their pore network instead of conventional flow channels. This type of flow fields has showed great promises in enhancing reactant supply, heat removal, and electrical conduction, reducing the concentration performance loss and improving operational stability for fuel cells. This review presents the research and development progress of porous flow fields with insights for next-generation PEM fuel cells of high power density (e.g., ∼9.0 kW L