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ZBT GmbH

Project launched: Further development of porous transport layers in PEM electrolysis

In order to reduce the costs of PEM electrolysis, ZBT and the Ruhr University Bochum launched a project to optimize porous transport layers.

Schematic representation of UKP laser processing in a gas environment

Schematic representation of UKP laser processing in liquids environment

SEM image of a PTL from UKP laser processing in liquids (25 µm thickness)

The so-called PEM electrolysis is a promising technology to produce hydrogen from water and regeneratively generated electricity in an environmentally friendly way. This technology is already being demonstrated on a large scale but is currently still associated with high operating and acquisition costs. ZBT and Ruhr University Bochum are addressing both points. Together, they want to optimize the so-called porous transport layer (PTL) – a central component of the PEMWE.

In this project, PTLs are produced from a commercially available titanium foil using a novel manufacturing process developed by the Chair of Laser Application Technology (LAT) at Ruhr University. This process is based on femtosecond laser technology (FLT) and enables the foil to be perforated and the remaining ridge surfaces to be structured down to the low µm range in the same processing step. Thus, the manufacturing technology fits very well with the characteristic dimensions of PTL and enlarges the parameter space of the PTL design available so far. This is the starting point for reducing operating costs by increasing efficiency. Also, manufacturing costs are addressed with this PTL approach, since films are comparatively inexpensive and potentially suitable for large-scale roll-to-roll manufacturing.

A special feature of the FLT manufacturing process is the liquid-flow processing chamber. The liquid provides much more effective heat removal compared to FLT in a gas atmosphere, thus reducing oxidation of the titanium foil, making this process particularly suitable for use in electrolysis.
At LAT, the project focus is on optimizing the laser parameters for the best possible manufacturing quality and speed, as well as a feasibility study on the scalability of manufacturing. The scientific goal of ZBT is to explore the newly gained parameter space with respect to efficiency optimization and a deeper understanding of the PTL morphology.

A Proof of concept measurement with the new PTL-type in an electrolysis cell shows already a performance within the range of reference products.

Electrolysis and Batteries Department

IGF project 21971 N "Development of structured metal foils as novel porous transport layers for water electrolysis (MetalFoil-PTL)"

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