ZBT - The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center offers customers from research and industry a wide range of testing services for material characterisation of components for fuel cells and electrolysis cells.

Ex-situ testing of metallic bipolar plates

The ZBT offers various measurement techniques for analysing and investigating substrate and layer properties. A wide range of collaborations with external project partners and many years of experience in the field of fuel cell technology enable us to carry out detailed characterisation and further development of metallic bipolar plates and coatings for industrial applications. In addition to determining the wetting/adhesion properties, defects in the substrate surface and faults in the coating can be identified.

Ex-situ investigation of MEA components

The investigation of the material structure including the pore properties of the membrane electrode assembly provides deep insights into the influence of external boundary conditions such as ageing/stress tests or exposure to low temperatures on the fuel cell performance and the associated degradation mechanisms. Our extensive range of equipment offers the possibility to characterise MEA components both in their initial and final state in order to define the changes in material properties after use in a fuel cell.

In-situ testing of fuel cell components

The redundant long-term electrochemical characterisation of fuel cell components is realised by using in-situ test equipment, which includes both commercially available test benches (Greenlight G60) and self-designed setups. In addition, X-ray microscopy (XRM) offers the possibility of non-destructive 3D visualisation of the internal structure of materials. The combination of XRM with a test stand can even enable the detection of water inside the fuel cell under operating conditions.

We are also happy to offer advice on testing services and develop customised testing concepts. If you have any questions about our services, please do not hesitate to contact us!

New Materials and Technologies Department

Materials analysis and quality assurance working group

Modelling and Simulation working group