CCM Coil Coating Line

Here are some special direct coating processes that may be used in CCM coil coating lines to ensure that the proton exchange membrane does not swell during coating:

1. Optimize the slurry formulation:

  • Choose a suitable solvent system: Use a solvent or solvent combination that has less effect on the swelling of the proton exchange membrane. For example, a slurry formulation using a water-n-propanol system with a water content of more than 70% can reduce the swelling effect of the solvent on the membrane to a certain extent, while ensuring the fluidity and coating performance of the slurry.
  • Add anti-swelling agents: Add some substances that can inhibit the swelling of the proton exchange membrane, such as some special polymers or additives, to the slurry. These anti-swelling agents can interact with the proton exchange membrane to reduce the penetration and swelling of the membrane by the solvent.

CCM Coil Coating Line - CCM Roll to Roll Coating Machine

2. Control coating process parameters:

  • Coating temperature: Choose a suitable coating temperature to avoid too high or too low temperature. Too high temperature may accelerate the penetration of the solvent into the membrane, causing swelling; too low temperature may affect the fluidity and coating effect of the slurry. Generally, the optimal coating temperature range is determined by experiments. For example, based on the consideration of energy supply and energy cost saving, the coating temperature can be determined to be around 40°C.
  • Coating speed: Select an appropriate coating speed. Too fast a coating speed may cause uneven distribution of the slurry on the membrane, while too slow a speed may increase the contact time between the solvent and the membrane, causing swelling. The preferred coating speed is greater than 5m/min, which helps to reduce the contact time between the membrane and the solvent and reduce the possibility of swelling.
  • Coating thickness: Control the coating thickness. Too thick a coating may increase the stress of the membrane, causing deformation and swelling of the membrane. According to the catalyst loading requirements, determine the appropriate coating thickness. For example, based on a loading of 0.25mg/cm², the coating thickness can be determined to be around 60μm to reduce membrane swelling.

3. Use special coating equipment and technology:

  • Vacuum adsorption technology: Use a multi-microporous strong vacuum adsorption membrane or device to adsorb and fix the proton exchange membrane during the coating process. This vacuum adsorption membrane has a specific porosity and thickness, which can effectively enhance the adsorption force on the proton exchange membrane, provide support for the membrane, and prevent the membrane from swelling and deformation due to loss of support during the coating process, especially when the second side is coated.
  • Double-sided coating sequence and interval time control: If it is double-sided coating, arrange the coating sequence and interval time reasonably. For example, first coat one side of the membrane and carry out appropriate drying or curing treatment to stabilize the membrane to a certain extent, and then coat the other side to reduce the swelling of the membrane during double-sided coating.
  • Accurate metering and feeding system: Ensure the stable and accurate supply of slurry to avoid too much or too little slurry. Too much slurry may cause the membrane to be over-immersed in the solvent and cause swelling; too little slurry may affect the quality and uniformity of the coating. Use high-precision metering pumps and other equipment to accurately control the output and coating amount of the slurry.

4. Pretreatment of membrane:

  • Pretreatment of proton exchange membrane: Before coating, the proton exchange membrane is properly pretreated, such as pre-drying, pre-stretching, etc. Pre-drying can remove moisture and other volatile substances in the membrane and reduce the impact of solvent on the membrane; pre-stretching can make the membrane structure more stable and reduce the possibility of swelling.
  • Use protective film or support membrane: During the coating process, use a protective film or support membrane with good compatibility with the proton exchange membrane. When coating on the first side, the protective film can provide support for the membrane and reduce deformation and swelling of the membrane. Before coating on the second side, the protective film is carefully removed, and special techniques and equipment, such as vacuum adsorption, are used to ensure that the membrane can be stably coated without a protective film.

CCM Roll to Roll Coating Machine

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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