The influence of porous transport layer modifications on the water management in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

► The influence of mechanical/laser perforations and local MPL ablation is analyzed. ► Significant influence on water distribution is found using Synchrotron radiography. ► ESEM water imaging and EDX analysis reveal side-effects due to laser treatment. ► Mechanically locally removed PTLs reveal reduced saturation by drainage effect. ► Improved performance reveals MPL ablations reduce liquid water in CL/MPL interface.