Hydrophilic and hydrophobic double microporous layer coated gas diffusion layer for enhancing performance of polymer electrolyte fuel cells under no-humidification at the cathode

► A hydrophilic and hydrophobic double MPL coated GDL enhances PEFC performance without cathode humidification. ► The appropriate hydrophilic layer is effective for conserving the humidity of the catalyst layer. ► The hydrophobic intermediate layer is effective for the prevention of the removal of water in the hydrophilic layer.