Performance loss of proton exchange membrane fuel cell due to hydrophobicity loss in gas diffusion layer: Analysis by multiscale approach combining pore network and performance modelling

► Loss of PTFE is a degradation mechanism of GDL. ► Pore network modelling shows this will induce reduction of gas diffusion in GDL. ► Performance modelling shows this will induce decay of performance of PEMFC. ► Loss of PTFE can explain part of linear and nonlinear degradation of PEMFC