Fuel Cells Catalyst Coating Machine

Fuel Cells Catalyst Coating Machine – Cheersonic Spray Coater

In order to create durable and uniform thin-film fuel cell catalyst coatings, especially in the manufacture of proton exchange membranes (PEMs), catalyst-coated proton membranes (CCMs), membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and gas diffusion layers (GDLs), a variety of technologies and methods can be used. Here are some key steps and technical points:

1. Technology selection

Ultrasonic spray technology:

  • Advantages: Ultrasonic spray technology can produce highly uniform, repeatable and durable coatings, which are particularly suitable for challenging applications such as fuel cells and proton exchange membrane electrolyzers. This technology disperses the catalyst solution into tiny droplets through ultrasonic vibrations and sprays them evenly on the substrate, thereby significantly improving the utilization rate of the catalyst and the uniformity of the coating.
  • Application: It can be used in the manufacture of PEMs, CCMs, MEAs and GDLs, especially in the preparation of catalyst coatings.

Other technologies:

Electrospray, screen printing, transfer printing, brush coating, sputtering, electrochemical deposition, etc. are also commonly used catalyst coating preparation methods, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages and needs to be selected according to specific needs.

Fuel Cells Catalyst Coating Machine - Cheersonic Spray Coater

2. Preparation process

Catalyst slurry preparation:

  • Catalyst slurry is prepared according to the different requirements of the cathode and anode. The slurry usually contains a catalyst (such as a platinum carbon catalyst), a solvent (such as deionized water and methanol-based organic solvents) and a binder (such as a polymer solution).
  • Control the dispersion time, temperature, stirring speed and other parameters of the slurry to ensure the uniform dispersion of the catalyst and the stability of the slurry.

Coating process:

  • Use ultrasonic spraying equipment or other coating equipment to spray the catalyst slurry evenly on the proton exchange membrane or gas diffusion layer.
  • Control the coating speed, spraying pressure, nozzle and substrate distance and other parameters to obtain a uniform catalyst coating.

Drying and curing:

  • After coating, drying treatment is carried out to remove the solvent and cure the catalyst coating.
  • Select the appropriate drying temperature and time according to the specific material and performance requirements of the coating.

3. Quality control

Coating uniformity:

  • The uniformity of the coating is detected by microscopic observation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and other methods.
  • Ensure that the coating thickness is consistent, without cracks, peeling and other defects.

Catalyst utilization:

  • Evaluate the utilization of the catalyst through electrochemical testing and other methods.
  • Ultrasonic spraying technology can usually achieve a high catalyst utilization rate (such as more than 90%).

Performance test:

  • Perform performance tests on the prepared PEM, CCM, MEA and GDL, including conductivity, mechanical strength, durability and other indicators.
  • Ensure that the product meets the design requirements and usage conditions.

In summary, by selecting the right technology, optimizing the preparation process, strengthening quality control and selecting the right equipment, a durable and uniform thin-film fuel cell catalyst coating can be created to provide strong support for the manufacture of PEM, CCM, MEA and GDL.

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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