Application of metal foams to high temperature PEM fuel cells

Results show that metal foam flow field, having high gas permeability, improves gas convection and diffusion, and increases the chance of reaction with the catalysts. The porous structure of metal foam can effectively reduce the contact resistance between the flow plate and carbon paper. The current density at 0.6 V of metal foam fuel cell is approximately 20% higher than conventional graphite serpentine flow channel fuel cell. Increasing the operating temperature, stoichiometry, or humidification, improves the cell performance. Initial 300 h operation test shows the cell is relatively stable.