Operating Principle of PEMFC

Operating Principle of PEMFC – Spraying Fuel Cell Catalyst Inks – Cheersonic

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell is also called polymer electrolyte fuel cell. This type of fuel cell mainly relies on a special polymer membrane, on which highly dispersed catalyst particles are coated. This process is called CCM.

The structure of PEMFC is mainly composed of proton exchange membrane (electrolyte), catalyst layer, gas diffusion layer, bipolar plate and other core components. The gas diffusion layer, catalyst layer and polymer electrolyte membrane are prepared by hot pressing to obtain membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The proton exchange membrane in the middle plays multiple roles in conducting protons (H+), preventing electron transfer and isolating the cathodic and cathodic reactions. The catalyst layer on both sides is the place where the fuel and oxidant conduct electrochemical reaction; The main functions of the gas diffusion layer are to support the catalyst layer, stabilize the electrode structure, provide gas transmission channels and improve water management; The main function of the bipolar plate is to separate the reaction gas, guide the reaction gas into the fuel cell through the flow field, collect and conduct the current, support the membrane electrode, and undertake the heat dissipation and drainage functions of the entire fuel cell.

The working principle of PEMFC is: the fuel (hydrogen H2) enters the anode, reaches the surface of the anode catalyst through diffusion, decomposes into positively charged protons (H+) and negatively charged electrons (e -) under the action of the anode catalyst, protons reach the cathode through the proton exchange membrane, and electrons flow to the cathode through the load along the external circuit. At the same time, oxygen (O2) reaches the surface of cathode catalyst through diffusion. Under the action of cathode catalyst, electrons, protons and oxygen undergo oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to generate water.

Proton exchange membrane is the electrolyte of PEMFC, which directly affects the service life of the battery. At the same time, the electrocatalyst will undergo Ostwald ripening under the operating conditions of the fuel cell, which will shorten the service life of the cell. Therefore, proton exchange membranes and electrocatalysts are important factors affecting the durability of fuel cells. The cost proportion of fuel cell is electro catalyst (46%), proton exchange membrane (11%), bipolar plate (24%), etc. Among them, due to the large use of precious metal platinum in electrocatalysts, its cost also accounts for nearly half of the total cost of fuel cells. The high cost of proton exchange membrane and bipolar plate also increases the total cost of fuel cells. Therefore, the new materials with high performance, high durability and low cost for proton exchange membrane fuel cells are currently the research focus in this field.

Cheersonic’s fuel cell catalyst coating systems are uniquely suited for these challenging applications by creating highly uniform, repeatable, and durable coatings. Using the company’s patented ultrasonic spray head technology, it can spray uniformly and efficiently on proton exchange membranes and gas diffusion layers. Uniform catalyst coatings are deposited onto PEM fuel cells, GDLs, electrodes, various electrolyte membranes, and solid oxide fuel cells with suspensions containing carbon black inks, PTFE binder, ceramic slurries, platinum and other precious metals. Other metal alloys, including Platinum, Nickel, Ir, and Ru-based fuel cell catalyst coatings of metal oxide suspensions can be sprayed using ultrasonics for manufacturing PEM fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, DMFCs (Direct Methanol Fuel Cells) and SOFCs (Solid Oxide Fuel Cells) to create maximum load and high cell efficiency.

The advantages of Cheersonic’s ultrasonic equipment include：

1.Very high Platinum utilization proven in MEA fabrication; as high as 90%.
2.Non-clogging
3.Low-flow spray reduces spillage and air pollution.
4.Continuous or intermittent operation possible
5.Highly porous coatings are extremely durable, preventing cracking or peeling of catalyst layer.
6.No moving parts to wear out
7.Minimal maintenance and downtime.
8.Robust design and materials resist corrosion.
9.Ultrasonic energy disperses the agglomerated particles, producing a homogeneous coating.

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