Programmable Ultrasonic Fuel Cell Catalyst Coating Systems

Programmable Ultrasonic Fuel Cell Catalyst Coating Systems – Cheersonic

Ultrasonic Spray Technology for High Performance PEM Fuel Cell Electrode Fabrication

The manufacturing technology of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) significantly affects the performance and durability of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. In our company’s research, ultrasonic spraying technology has been used to manufacture gas diffusion electrodes of different sizes, up to a maximum width of 100 cm.

The catalyst ink was sprayed onto the gas diffusion layer using a UAM6000 ultrasonic spraying instrument. The coating process is fully computer-controlled and programmed according to the coating area, spray flow, and multi-layer coating. The performance of the electrodes has been tested in a single PEM fuel cell. Compared with “high pressure spray gun spray catalyst ink”, the power density is increased by 2.5 times. Uniform films were obtained by ultrasonic coating. The prepared multilayer films also possess extremely high electrode porosity, which prevents flooding of the electrode surface during the coating process and enhances the transport of reactants during fuel cell operation. Therefore, high-performance, repeatable, and large-area electrodes can be fabricated by ultrasonic spraying technology.

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.