PEM Materials Research

PEM Materials Research – Spray On Membrane – Cheersonic

As the core component of the membrane electrode of the water electrolyzer, the proton exchange membrane not only conducts protons, isolates hydrogen and oxygen, but also provides support for the catalyst. Its performance directly determines the performance and service life of the water electrolyzer.

PEM Materials Research - Spray On Membrane - Cheersonic

At present, most of the proton exchange membranes used in water electrolysis hydrogen production are perfluorosulfonic acid membranes. The preparation process is complicated and has been monopolized by American and Japanese companies for a long time. Aciplex®-S membrane, etc. Among them, Chemours Nafion™ series membranes have the advantages of low electronic impedance, high proton conductivity, good chemical stability, mechanical stability, gas permeability resistance, etc., and are currently the most used proton exchange membranes for electrolytic hydrogen production.

It has been monopolized by a few manufacturers for a long time, and the price of proton exchange membrane is as high as several hundred to several thousand US dollars/m2. In order to reduce membrane cost and improve membrane performance, the focus is on modified perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membranes, organic/inorganic nanocomposite proton exchange membranes and fluorine-free proton exchange membranes.

The research on perfluorosulfonic acid membrane modification focuses on three approaches: polymer modification, membrane surface etching modification and membrane surface noble metal catalyst deposition. Ballard has developed a partially fluorinated sulfonic acid-type proton exchange membrane BAM3G. Its thermal stability, chemical stability, and mechanical strength are similar to those of Nafion™ series membranes, but the price has dropped significantly, making it possible to replace Nafion™ membranes. The preparation of organic/inorganic nanocomposite proton exchange membranes by introducing inorganic components, which have both the flexibility of organic membranes and the good thermal properties, chemical stability and mechanical properties of inorganic membranes, has become a research hotspot in recent years. In addition, the use of inexpensive materials such as polyaryletherketone and polysulfone to prepare fluorine-free proton exchange membranes is also the development trend of proton exchange membranes.

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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.