Introduction
In this how to serie, we will be explaining some very basic procedures in how to create a PEM fuel cell. The idea behind it is to spread practical knowledge regarding PEM MEA manufacturing. The series will involve a fast spectrum of various (research) procedures all involved in day to day operation. PEM components facilitates all the necessary equipment to facilitate these procedures and offers them as services. Keen on getting hands on experience? PEM components also offers training, ideal for PhD candidates that want a flying start, either in house or at location. Contact us for the possibilities.
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Catalyst slurry preparation
Catalyst slurry, or ink, preparation is a main performance determining factor in MEA creation. In this process, catalyst powder, ionomer and solvents are combined and throroughly mixed, where in the mixing process the already fine catalyst powder needs to be broken apart in even smaller particles. In this article we will zoom into a standard procedure and some considerations.
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Catalyst slurry application
How catalyst material is applied to an electrode is one of the determining factors regarding its durability therefore, application comes very accurate. And how do you control the application amount? In this article we will demonstrate the screen printing technique on a R&D scale and show how catalyst loading is retrieved.
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Catalyst slurry drying
Drying shouldn’t be too difficult, right? Just chuck the to be dried sample in an oven and heat it, right? Surprise, surprise, catalyst material loves to oxydise everything, specifically volatile organic compounds. So how do you dry the catalyst material from its organic solvents? In this article PEM components shows its drying technique and considerations.
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Assemblying an MEA
Creating an electrode is one thing, cutting out a membrane a next thing. Not very complicated, but how do we create an MEA that actually functions? In this article exactly that is demonstrated, including do’s and don’ts
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Conditioning of an FC MEA
Most “virgin” or fresh FC MEA’s do not perform to their maximum at the start of the electrochemical active life. Depending on the fabrication protocol MEA’s can significantly increase their performance over operation. Convenient if you are a system integrator, horrible if you are a researcher and try to reproduce results. In this article PEM components will take you through a “standard” conditioning procedure and some of its considerations
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Performing an polarisation curve
The well known polarisation curve or IV-curve. Why is it made, how is it made, how do you perform them, what are its settings, how do you interpretate results? Many questions, in which you will find a brief answer to in this article
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Performing an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy is an advanced analytical tool where people struggle with. Whether you are a PhD student a technician working in the field or a science hardened veteran. Me, the autor of this article, a well experienced analyst started from blank lacking (and still are) an academical background in physics will take you through. In this article we will show the basics, how to wire up an in situ cell, what settings to use, some theoretical background, how to interpretate the results and how you can use the technique to your advantage without turning grey.
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Performing electrochemical surface area analysis
Specifically interesting for the catalyst developing people out there, but also a necessary tool for the MEA developers and manufacturers out there. The analysis does exactly what it says, but how does that correlate to something useful? And how do you perform such a test? Exactly what within this article will be described
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Performing a gas crossover analysis
Gas cross over? I have got a solid membrane, how can hydrogen gas cross over? or oxygen? Yes it can and yes it does, though hopefully only minute amounts, but in terms of figuring out why an MEA isn’t performing a necessary tool. There are multiple methods to measure gas cross over, though within this article the electrochemical method is described.
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Performing an OCV leak test
Another gas leak test? Yes true, this is the easy one, but it lacks quantification. Nevertheless due to its ease it is a great tool to be used an indicator. In this article the procedure on how to perform and interpretate is described
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Viscosity, rheometry and fluidity of inks
Slightly touched with ink slurry preparation: viscosity of inks. The rheometrical spectrum can tell quite a bit about an ink, though it is not a well known parameter. In this article an insight is provided in what it can tell, how to determine and why it is important. Especially with fluid deposition techniques, rheometry is a great quality control tool.
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