Fuel Cell With Nafion And Platinum

The energy systems of our world obtain their energyrequirements mostly from fuel sources of fossil origin.Since these fuel sources of fossil origin have negativeenvironmental effects and are depletable, studies directedto the utility and production of clean and renewable energyresources that can be substituted for fossil originated fuelsand development of different energy systems are beingdemonstrated for a couple of decades. PEMFCs, whichare low temperature fuel cells, are electro-chemicaldevices that can convert chemical energy into electricalenergy by a chain of reactions.

Effects of Nafion ® content in the electrodes on the performance of a single proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

The catalyst layers of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell consist of Nafion ® , carbon particles and platinum particles. Nafion ® is used to improve the catalyst layer performance. The increase of Nafion ® content in the catalyst layer improves proton migration but reduces void spaces. Increasing platinum loading enhances the rate of the electrochemical reaction but increase the cost. In this paper, we have investigated the correlation of Nafion ® content by a constant platinum loading of 1mg/cm 2 in the catalyst layer. This has been performed by using a single home-made PEM fuel cell. Optimum performance of PEMFC has been obtained for 0.25mg/cm 2 Nafion ® content.

Ultrasonic spraying machine for coating preparation of Nafion platinum based fuel cells

In fuel cells using Nafion proton exchange membranes and platinum based catalysts, the quality of catalytic coating preparation directly affects the output performance and precious metal consumption of the membrane electrode. Ultrasonic spraying is an efficient and reliable film-forming process.
Ultrasonic spraying uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibration to atomize a slurry containing platinum based catalyst and Nafion ionomer into small and uniform droplets, which are then transported to the surface of the Nafion membrane by low-pressure carrier gas for deposition. The entire spraying process has a gentle force, which will not scratch or erode the fragile Nafion proton exchange membrane, avoiding membrane damage and catalyst particle aggregation defects that are prone to occur in traditional high-pressure spraying.

This process can accurately control the platinum loading, achieve the preparation of low platinum and even ultra-low platinum coatings, greatly improve the utilization efficiency of platinum catalysts, and reduce the consumption of precious metals. The catalyst and Nafion ionomer are evenly distributed on the membrane surface, forming an ideal three-phase reaction interface, constructing smooth proton and electron conduction channels, while retaining suitable pores for gas input and generated water discharge, reducing battery mass transfer impedance, and improving power density.

The spraying process maintains low temperature conditions, which will not cause thermal degradation of the Nafion membrane and ensure proton conductivity. The catalytic coating and Nafion membrane are firmly combined, and are not easily peeled off during battery cycling operation, with high batch consistency. The equipment can meet the needs of laboratory sample research and development, as well as integrate roll to roll systems for large-scale production, effectively reducing product performance dispersion, lowering the overall manufacturing cost of fuel cells, and promoting the commercialization of Nafion platinum based fuel cells.

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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