Double-Sided Wet Proofing
Hydrophobic treatment is applied to both sides of the carbon-fiber backing to help reduce persistent liquid-water wetting of the porous substrate.
01
Product Overview
CP-H170R substrate · Double-sided hydrophobic treatment · Single-sided MPL
DiffuCarb™ CP-H170M is a wet-proofed carbon paper with a microporous layer, produced from the CP-H170R carbon-fiber paper substrate. The porous carbon backing is hydrophobically treated on both sides, while one side is coated with a microporous layer for use at the catalyst-layer interface.
In PEM fuel-cell systems, the hydrophobic treatment helps reduce continuous liquid-water intrusion into the highly porous carbon-fiber backing, while the MPL provides a finer transition between the carbon-paper substrate and the catalyst layer. CP-H170M is positioned as a cost-effective alternative for conventional carbon-paper gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and gas diffusion media in research and development.
0.215±0.02 mm Total Thickness
80±10 g/m² Area Density
≥65% Porosity
<15 mΩ·cm² Through-Plane Resistivity
02
Technical Parameters
DiffuCarb™ CP-H170M Wet-Proofed Carbon Paper with MPL
| Parameter | CP-H170M |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Carbon Fiber Paper |
| Base Substrate | CP-H170R Carbon Paper |
| Thickness | 0.215±0.02 mm |
| Area Density | 80±10 g/m² |
| Through-Plane Resistivity | <15 mΩ·cm² |
| Through-Plane Air Permeability | <5 S |
| Porosity | ≥65% |
| PTFE Treatment | Yes, Double-Sided Hydrophobic Treatment |
| Microporous Layer (MPL) | Yes, Single-Sided MPL |
- Values are organized according to the supplied product specifications; normal manufacturing tolerances may occur between batches.
- The through-plane air-permeability unit is retained as “S” exactly as provided in the source specification.
- For a specific MEA, compression ratio, humidity condition or cell hardware, application compatibility should be verified under the intended operating conditions.
03
Product Features
Designed around water management, gas transport and interfacial contact
Single-Sided MPL
A microporous layer is applied to one side, creating a finer porous transition between the carbon-fiber paper and the adjacent catalyst layer.
Low Through-Plane Resistivity
Through-plane resistivity below 15 mΩ·cm² supports continuous electron transport between the electrode structure and current-collecting components.
Porous Carbon-Fiber Backing
Porosity of at least 65% preserves the open carbon-fiber structure required for gas transport and mechanical support in gas-diffusion applications.
04
Structure & Surface Treatment
Single-Sided MPL + Double-Sided Hydrophobic Treatment
Single-Sided Microporous Layer (MPL)
Finer Interfacial Transition Layer
Finer Interfacial Transition Layer
CP-H170R Carbon-Fiber Paper Backing
Double-Sided Hydrophobic Treatment
Double-Sided Hydrophobic Treatment
This diagram illustrates the layer relationship only and is not drawn to actual thickness scale.
Total CP-H170M thickness is approximately 0.215 mm.
Structural Design Highlights
- Carbon-fiber backing: provides the primary electrically conductive, mechanically supportive and macroporous gas-transport structure.
- Double-sided hydrophobic treatment: helps reduce continuous liquid-water penetration into the porous backing and supports gas-channel retention.
- Single-sided MPL: forms a finer porous interface on one side for contact with the catalyst-layer region.
- Approx. 215 μm total thickness: suitable for research and assembly configurations requiring a relatively thin GDL structure.
05
Typical Applications
Fuel Cell GDL · Gas Diffusion Media · Electrochemical Research
PEM Fuel Cells
Suitable as a gas diffusion layer or related gas diffusion medium between the catalyst layer and flow field, supporting electronic conduction, gas transport and water-management functions.
Gas Diffusion Electrode Research
Can be used as a porous carbon substrate with a single-sided MPL for gas/liquid interface management and gas-diffusion electrode development.
Electrochemical Materials Development
Suitable for catalyst-layer coating, interfacial construction, GDL comparison studies and related electrochemical-device research. Compatibility should be verified for the intended electrolyte and operating potential.
06
Humidity Model Guide
CP-H170M(L) / CP-H170M(H)
CP-H170M(L) · Low Humidity
Model designation intended for low-humidity operating conditions or comparative GDL studies under lower-humidity environments.
CP-H170M(H) · High Humidity
Model designation intended for high-humidity operating conditions or materials screening where water management is particularly important.
How to Select
The supplied specifications do not state the exact PTFE loading, MPL loading or pore-structure difference between L and H. For selection, please provide operating temperature, relative humidity, gas conditions, compression and cell configuration.
07
Use & Storage Guidance
Helping preserve the MPL surface and porous backing structure
1
Identify the MPL Side
Distinguish the MPL-coated side from the carbon-paper backing side before assembly to avoid incorrect orientation.
2
Typical Assembly Orientation
In common GDL assemblies, the MPL side typically faces the catalyst layer or MEA, while the carbon-paper backing faces the flow field. Final orientation depends on cell design.
3
Cutting & Handling
Use clean, sharp cutting tools and avoid repeated folding, aggressive bending or direct abrasion of the MPL surface.
4
Storage
Store clean, dry and sealed, and avoid contamination by oils, dust or other materials that may affect the treated surface.
08
Price & Specifications
DiffuCarb™ CP-H170M Wet-Proofed Carbon Paper with MPL
| Product Code | Description | 10×10 cm | 20×20 cm | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP-H170M(L) | Wet-Proofed Carbon Paper with MPL - Low Humidity | $20 | $40 | Ask for quote |
| CP-H170M(H) | Wet-Proofed Carbon Paper with MPL - High Humidity | $20 | $40 | Ask for quote |
- For bulk quantities, please contact us for additional discounts and a formal quotation.
- Lead time is quotation-based and should be confirmed before ordering.
- SCI Materials Hub is committed to competitive pricing and customer service.
09
Frequently Asked Questions
MPL, wet proofing, model selection and assembly
Q1: What is the difference between CP-H170M and CP-H170R?
CP-H170M is based on CP-H170R carbon paper but adds hydrophobic treatment and a single-sided MPL.
CP-H170M is therefore intended more specifically for GDL, water-management and catalyst-interface applications,
while CP-H170R is the underlying carbon-paper substrate.
Q2: Why is double-sided hydrophobic treatment used?
The hydrophobic treatment helps reduce persistent liquid-water wetting of the highly porous carbon-fiber backing,
supporting retention of gas-transport pathways. Actual water-management behavior also depends on temperature,
humidity, gas flow, compression and cell design.
Q3: What is the function of the single-sided MPL?
The MPL provides a finer porous transition between the carbon-fiber backing and the catalyst-layer region,
helping create a more controlled interface for GDL applications.
Q4: Which side should face the catalyst layer?
In common fuel-cell GDL assemblies, the MPL-coated side typically faces the catalyst layer or MEA,
while the carbon-fiber backing faces the flow field. Final orientation should follow the specific cell design.
Q5: How should I choose between CP-H170M(L) and CP-H170M(H)?
L and H are model designations for low-humidity and high-humidity conditions.
The supplied information does not specify the exact PTFE loading, MPL loading or pore-structure difference between them.
Please provide your operating humidity, temperature and hardware conditions for selection support.
Q6: Can CP-H170M be cut to custom dimensions?
It can be cut for experimental use. Clean, sharp tools are recommended.
Avoid excessive rubbing, folding or bending of the MPL surface to reduce the risk of surface damage.
Q7: Can it be used outside PEM fuel-cell systems?
Its hydrophobic porous-carbon and MPL structure may also be useful in other gas-diffusion electrode research.
Compatibility should be validated for the intended electrolyte, operating potential and electrochemical environment.
10
International Orders & Shipping
SCI Materials Hub · Worldwide Supply
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