The aim of the ELPH-SCHICHT project is to increase the performance and service life of MEA for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and to improve their manufacturability and commercialisation. This will be achieved through the development and demonstration of two novel coating processes. To this end, surface modification and electrophoretic deposition (EPD) processes are combined to produce catalyst layers with a vertical gradient structure, generated in a single step from a single catalyst dispersion. Unlike electrochemical deposition processes, EPD also allows the creation of a gradient catalyst layer on an insulating substrate, such as a polymer transfer film or a PEM. The aim of the gradient is to increase PEMFC performance through optimised oxygen, water and proton transport and optimised electron conductivity. In addition, improved utilisation of the (very cost-intensive) components electrocatalyst (platinum) and ionomer leads to an increase in PEMFC efficiency, which reduces energy conversion losses, the resulting heat generation and thus the accelerated degradation of the PEMFC. The development of appropriate industry-relevant EPD coating processes for graded catalyst layers therefore promises to accelerate the commercialisation of PEMFCs. Due to the growing demand for PEMFC technologies, entry into this market segment and long-term positioning are particularly attractive for SMEs from an economic perspective. With the help of the knowledge gained in the project regarding optimal process parameters, large-scale series production of high-performance gradient catalyst layers should be possible in the future. This will particularly support existing and newly founded SMEs in the areas of CCM or MEA production, EPD coating and other system components for PEMFC stacks.
Source:
IGF-Forschungsprojekte
