Characteristics of the carbon paper heat-treated to different temperatures and its influence on the performance of PEM fuel cell

Porous conducting carbon paper acts as an electrode backing material in a fuel cell. It not only assists in the flow of electrons and gases but also provides mechanical support to the MEA. The electrically conducting carbon paper (porosity ∼70%) was prepared using laminated assembly of chopped carbon fiber porous preforms and applying combined paper making and composite making technique. The green paper was subjected to different heat treatment temperatures (HTT), which was found to influence the characteristics of the paper significantly. The processing of the paper was carried out at a very fast carbonization rates, 900 °C/h as compared to 10–20 °C/h used conventionally, making the complete process highly cost efficient. The paper when used in the unit fuel cell assembly showed I–V performance comparable to that of the commercially available Toray carbon paper.