Department Electrochemical Components

The main focus of the department is on the electrochemical analysis of processes in fuel cells and the physical-chemical characterization of fuel cell components, supplemented by the development of low-cost components (catalysts, polymers, membranes, gas diffusion layers/GDS) and the development of production technologies for the manufacture of catalyst dispersions, layer structures and CCM.
The main objective is the optimization of component properties and electrode processes as well as the identification of membrane and electrode damaging side reactions, thus optimizing the energy supplying processes while avoiding degradation of the components. Another focus is the production, characterization and optimization of electrocatalytically active electrode layers and CCM for fuel cells. The main areas of work are reflected in the four working areas of the department:

• Novel materials - catalysts, polymers, membranes and GDS
• Manufacturing technologies for dispersions and functional layers (CCMs and MEAs)
• In-situ test laboratory
• Measuring methods, measuring cells and sensor technology

We are a team of 10 employees. For our work we have an extensive infrastructure at our disposal, which on the one hand allows us to measure individual components precisely, to investigate CCMs, MEAs and complete fuel cells under a wide range of operating conditions and on the other hand to develop improved components and new manufacturing processes.

• Electrochemical analytics
  • EIS / CV / HFR / H2-permeation
  • RDE
  • Zeta potential / particle size

• Material screening of fuel cell components Ex-Situ
  • catalysts and carrier (also powder characterization)
  • Polymers (ion conducting)
  • Membranes
  • Electrode layers (catalyst with polymer)
  • GDL/GDS material

• Development of coating processes and CCM production
  • Dispersing
  • ultrasonic spraying, squeegee, inkjet
  • Drying
  • Hot pressing/laminating
  • edge support systems

• In-situ tests for PEM-MEAs in fully automated single cell test stands up to 120 A
  • Run-in, activation, performance, ageing behaviour
  • Performance tests under various operating conditions
  • Test protocols individually programmable (e.g. commissioning, accelerated aging)
  • EIS / CV / HFR / H2-permeation measurements fully automated