Membrane Electrode Assembly Preparation Technology

Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is a key component in fuel cells (such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells PEMFC) and electrolyzers, and its performance directly affects the efficiency and stability of the entire battery system. The preparation technology of membrane electrodes mainly includes the following steps:

1. Material selection

  • Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM): Perfluorosulfonic acid membrane is usually used because it has good chemical stability, proton conductivity and mechanical strength.
  • Catalyst: Platinum or platinum-based alloys are generally selected because of their high activity and corrosion resistance.
  • Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL): Usually composed of carbon paper or carbon cloth, it needs to have good electronic conductivity and gas diffusion performance.

2. Catalytic layer preparation

  • Catalyst coating: The catalyst particles are coated on the proton exchange membrane or gas diffusion layer. The coating methods include slurry coating, jet printing, electrochemical deposition, etc.
  • Dispersion and curing: Ensure that the catalyst is evenly dispersed and cured by heat treatment and other methods.

Membrane Electrode Assembly Preparation Technology

3. Membrane electrode assembly

  • Lamination method: Assemble the prepared catalyst layer with the proton exchange membrane and the gas diffusion layer by hot pressing or cold pressing.
  • Direct coating method: Coat the catalyst layer directly on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, and then assemble it with the gas diffusion layer.

4. Technical points

  • Interface contact: Ensure good electrochemical and mechanical contact between the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane, and between the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer.
  • Pore structure: Optimize the pore structure to improve the transmission efficiency of the reaction gas in the catalyst layer.
  • Uniformity: Ensure the thickness of the catalyst layer and the uniformity of the catalyst distribution to improve the battery performance and stability.

5. Performance test

  • Single cell test: Evaluate the performance of the single cell assembled by the membrane electrode.
  • Stability test: Evaluate the performance attenuation of the membrane electrode under long-term operation.

6. Development trend

  • Non-precious metal catalyst: Study non-platinum catalysts to reduce costs.
  • MEA integrated design: Realize the integrated preparation of MEA through technologies such as 3D printing.
  • Long-term stability: Improve the durability of MEA and extend its service life.

Membrane electrode preparation technology is an important research direction in the field of fuel cells, and is of great significance to improving the performance of fuel cells, reducing costs, and promoting the commercial application of fuel cells.

Electrolyzers & Fuel Cell Coating

Hydrogen production by electrolysis of water is the most advantageous method for producing hydrogen. Utrasonic coating systems are ideal for spraying carbon-based catalyst inks onto electrolyte membranes used for hydrogen generation. This technology can improve the stability and conversion efficiency of the diaphragm in the electrolytic water hydrogen production device. Cheersonic has extensive expertise coating proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, creating uniform, effective coatings possible for electrolysis applications.

Cheersonic ultrasonic coating systems are used in a number of electrolysis coating applications. The high uniformity of catalyst layers and even dispersion of suspended particles results in very high efficiency electrolyzer coatings, either single or double sided.

About Cheersonic

Cheersonic is the leading developer and manufacturer of ultrasonic coating systems for applying precise, thin film coatings to protect, strengthen or smooth surfaces on parts and components for the microelectronics/electronics, alternative energy, medical and industrial markets, including specialized glass applications in construction and automotive.

Our coating solutions are environmentally-friendly, efficient and highly reliable, and enable dramatic reductions in overspray, savings in raw material, water and energy usage and provide improved process repeatability, transfer efficiency, high uniformity and reduced emissions.

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