Numerical Analysis of the Effect of PTFE on Heat Transfer in the Gas Diffusion Layers of a PEM Fuel Cell

¹ Experimentation and Modeling Team in Mechanics and Energy Systems, National School of Applied Sciences (ENSAH), Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco.
² Research in Engineering and Sciences for Health and Technology, M2SM, ENSAM, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.
³ Research Team EMISys, Research Centre ENGINEERING 3S, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Mohammadia School of Engineers, Rabat, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 22 May 2026

Abstract

In this study, a numerical investigation is conducted to analyze the influence of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) loading used in the Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), on the cell’s heat transfer. A two-dimensional model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate heat transfer phenomena within the cell. The temperature profiles are simulated for two distinct cases in order to evaluate the influence of PTFE content within the gas diffusion layer. The first case considers a GDL incorporating 5% PTFE, while the second case involves a significantly higher PTFE loading of 30%. Comparing these two configurations allows for a better understanding of how PTFE concentration affects heat transfer behavior within the PEM fuel cell. The results show that the temperature distribution is higher when a high PTFE content (30%) is used in the GDL compared to a lower PTFE content (5%). This behavior is mainly attributed to the low thermal conductivity of PTFE, which reduces the overall thermal conductivity of the gas diffusion layer. As a consequence, heat dissipation becomes less efficient, leading to elevated temperature levels within the GDL.