PEM Electrolytic Cell CCM Precision Deposition

High Temperature Ultrasonic Coating | PEM Electrolytic Cell CCM Precision Deposition

In the manufacturing process of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis cells, the structural integrity and catalytic activity of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) directly determine the electrochemical efficiency, durability, and hydrogen production cost of the system. Among them, the uniformity and adhesion of the catalyst layer, as well as the interface stability between the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane, are the core bottlenecks affecting the performance of the electrolytic cell. In response to this challenge, the Cheersonic membrane coating system, with its advanced ultrasonic spraying and precision temperature control technology, provides a highly controllable solution for catalyst deposition in PEM electrolysis cells. The standard working area of this system is 200mm x 200mm, which is designed to meet the material screening and process development needs at the laboratory level. It can also be compatible with small-scale production verification through multiple batches or splicing methods, providing a flexible platform for the transition from research and development to pilot testing.

At the process pathway level, the Cheersonic membrane coating system supports multiple MEA preparation routes, particularly suitable for catalyst coated membrane (CCM) schemes. The CCM route directly coats the catalyst on both sides of the proton exchange membrane. Compared with the traditional CCS (catalyst coated substrate) scheme of coating the catalyst on the gas diffusion layer (GDL), CCM can significantly reduce the interface contact resistance between the catalytic layer and the membrane, and reduce the “poisoning” effect of ionomers on the catalyst, thereby improving the utilization rate of precious metals. The system can deposit platinum (Pt) based catalysts and platinum alloy (such as PtCo, PtNi) catalyst inks directly onto the surface of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) proton exchange membranes with high precision and low splashing. Thanks to the non-contact ultrasonic atomization principle, the droplet size distribution is concentrated, the coating thickness deviation can be controlled within ± 5%, and the gradient catalytic layer design can be achieved through a multi-layer scanning strategy to optimize the distribution of the reaction three-phase interface (TPB).

More importantly, the system has the ability to operate at ultra-high temperatures (up to 200 ° C or above) and can adapt to the commonly used Nafion in PEM electrolysis cells ™ Or Aquivion ™ The coating requirements for high-temperature film materials in the heat setting or annealing state. Under high temperature conditions, the solvent evaporation rate of catalyst ink is significantly accelerated, which can effectively suppress the coffee ring effect and ensure a dense and crack free coating morphology; At the same time, the molecular chain activity of the membrane substrate is enhanced under heating, which helps to form stronger chemical anchoring between the catalyst ionomer and the membrane surface, and improves the long-term stability of the interface. In addition, the system also supports coating catalysts on electrodes or GDL substrates, followed by hot pressing or laminated integration, providing process redundancy for different MEA structure designs such as ordered electrodes and integrated porous transport layers.

Overall, the Cheersonic 200 × 200mm ultra-high temperature coating workspace, combined with its multi process path compatibility, precise thickness control, and high-temperature deposition capability, provides an engineering solution that balances accuracy and flexibility for the preparation of catalytic layers in PEM electrolysis cells. It is expected to accelerate the industrialization process of the next generation of high current density, low precious metal loading electrolysis cells. This system is not only a powerful tool for material development, but also a technical bridge connecting laboratory innovation with industrial grade reliability.

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.

If you have any technical questions, customization demands, or procurement inquiries about ultrasonic atomization nozzles, feel free to contact our professional sales and technical team for detailed parameters, customized solutions, and industry application support.
Email: market2@cheersonic.com