Cost Efficient Catalytic Inks for Fuel Cell Membranes

Some challenges faced during the fabrication of the proton exchange membrane in fuel cells include high costs incurred from multi-step metal ink production, potential overloading of metal and restricted substrate choices.

The technology comprises of proprietary platinum-based catalyst ink formulations that allows for a simplified process to fabricate proton exchange membrane fuel cells. During membrane production, metal particles can be grown directly on the substrate and cured with low temperature cold plasma (<70°C). This technology can minimize the platinum loading over a wide range of substrates, thereby reducing the cost of producing fuel cell membranes.

Some features of the technology include:

• Thickness range: 30 - 2000nm
• Curing parameters:
  • Low temperature (<70°C)
  • Fast cure (3-15 minutes)
  • No vacuum required except for slight pressure
• Suitable for a wide range of substrates including plastics, paper, fabrics, ceramics, and other metals
• Deposited through methods such as inkjet printing, dip dying and spraying
• Non-toxic
• No chemical waste, environmentally friendly
• Films formed are solid, highly flexible and durable