Fuel Cell Catalyst Coating Systems
The requirements for fuels for fuel cell systems are still evolving as improvements in catalysts designed for fuel cell systems continue. Catalyst poisons, such as sulfur and amines, can be dealt with on-board the vehicle, however; this adds complexity to the fuel processor and may impact overall efficiency due to added vehicle weight. Requirements for water self-sufficiency and high reforming efficiencies may also limit the aromatic content of fuels used for onboard reforming to hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles.
To understand the effects of catalyst spraying on fuel cell systems, we must understand the components of the system. The system consists of the fuel processor, the fuel cell stack, and the radiator/condenser. The fuel processor consists of several subsystems that may be impacted by the fuel. These include the autothermal reformer (ATR), sulfur trap, water gas shift unit (WGS), and a preferential oxidation unit (PROX). Depending on the catalysts and the fuel utilized, the ATR may be the first catalyst the fuel encounters. In the autothermal reformer the hydrocarbon fuel reacts with water and oxygen to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide. However, due to equilibria between CO2, H2, CO and H2O, carbon monoxide is also observed in the product gas. For the fuel processor, since the reactions are all conducted catalytically, catalyst poisoning is a major concern. Sulfur impurities are expected to be a major problem. Sulfur is a well-known catalyst poison and may poison the autothermal reforming catalyst, the water gas shift catalyst, and the fuel cell anode catalyst. Evidence suggests that hydrogen sulfide at ppm levels will poison PEM fuel cells. Sulfur is a main concern in the fuel processor and in the fuel cell stack, however some advances have been made in improving the sulfur tolerance of fuel processor components.
Cheersonic’s fuel cell catalyst coating systems are uniquely suited for these challenging applications by creating highly uniform, repeatable, and durable coatings. Using the company’s patented ultrasonic spray head technology, it can spray uniformly and efficiently on proton exchange membranes and gas diffusion layers. Uniform catalyst coatings are deposited onto PEM fuel cells, GDLs, electrodes, various electrolyte membranes, and solid oxide fuel cells with suspensions containing carbon black inks, PTFE binder, ceramic slurries, platinum and other precious metals. Other metal alloys, including Platinum, Nickel, Ir, and Ru-based fuel cell catalyst coatings of metal oxide suspensions can be sprayed using ultrasonics for manufacturing PEM fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, DMFCs (Direct Methanol Fuel Cells) and SOFCs (Solid Oxide Fuel Cells) to create maximum load and high cell efficiency.
The advantages of ultrasonic spraying include：
1.Highly controllable spray that produces reliable, consistent results.
2.Ultra-low flow rate capabilities, intermittent or continuous.
3.Ultrasonic vibrations continuously break up agglomerated particles and keep them evenly dispersed; maximizing platinum utilization.
4.Corrosion-resistant titanium and stainless steel construction
5.The self-cleaning function of the ultrasonic nozzle prevents clogging.
6.The platform takes up less space.
7.80% reduction in paint consumption
8.The particle diameter is optional which can more flexibly affect the through-hole property of the coating
About Cheersonic
Cheersonic is the leading developer and manufacturer of ultrasonic coating systems for applying precise, thin film coatings to protect, strengthen or smooth surfaces on parts and components for the microelectronics/electronics, alternative energy, medical and industrial markets, including specialized glass applications in construction and automotive.
Our coating solutions are environmentally-friendly, efficient and highly reliable, and enable dramatic reductions in overspray, savings in raw material, water and energy usage and provide improved process repeatability, transfer efficiency, high uniformity and reduced emissions.
Chinese Website: Cheersonic Provides Professional Coating Solutions