GDE and Membrane Coating
GDE and Membrane Coating (gas diffusion electrode coating) is a key link in fuel cell technology. It involves coating one or more catalyst layers on the gas diffusion layer (GDL) to form an electrode structure with high electrochemical reaction activity. The following is a detailed analysis of GDE coating:
Definition and function
GDE coating refers to the process of mixing catalyst materials (such as platinum, platinum alloy, etc.) and possible conductive agents and binders into slurry, and uniformly coating it on the surface of the gas diffusion layer through a specific coating process to form one or more catalyst layers. This catalyst layer is the key place for electrochemical reactions in fuel cells, and its performance directly affects the power generation efficiency, power density and life of the fuel cell.
Coating process
GDE coating has a variety of coating processes, and the common ones include the following:
- Coating method: Use tools such as scrapers and spray guns to evenly coat the catalyst slurry on the gas diffusion layer. This method is simple and easy, but the coating uniformity may be affected by operating skills and equipment accuracy.
- Screen printing method: The catalyst slurry is accurately printed on the gas diffusion layer through screen printing technology to form a catalyst layer with a specific pattern and thickness. This method is suitable for large-scale production, and the coating has high uniformity and precision.
- Ultrasonic spraying method: Ultrasonic vibration is used to atomize the catalyst slurry into tiny droplets and evenly spray them on the gas diffusion layer. This method can accurately control the coating thickness and uniformity, and is suitable for the coating of high-viscosity catalyst slurry.
- Electrochemical deposition method: Under electrochemical conditions, catalyst particles are directly deposited on the gas diffusion layer to form a catalyst layer. This method can prepare a catalyst layer with excellent adhesion and catalytic activity.
Influencing factors
The performance of GDE coating is affected by many factors, including:
- Catalyst type and loading: Different types and loadings of catalysts have an important influence on the activity and selectivity of electrochemical reactions.
- Coating thickness and uniformity: The coating thickness and uniformity directly affect the resistance and catalytic active area of the electrode, and thus affect the performance of the fuel cell.
- Gas diffusion layer performance: The porosity, permeability and conductivity of the gas diffusion layer also have an important influence on the coating and performance of the catalyst layer.
Application field
GDE coating is widely used in fuel cells such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). In PEMFC, GDE is an important component of the anode and cathode, and its performance directly affects the overall performance and life of the fuel cell.
Development Trend
With the continuous development of fuel cell technology, GDE coating technology is also constantly improving. In the future, GDE coating technology will pay more attention to improving the utilization and stability of catalysts, optimizing coating structure and performance, and realizing large-scale automated production. At the same time, with the continuous emergence of new catalysts and coating processes, GDE coating technology will also provide a broader space and opportunities for the development of fuel cell technology.
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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