Product description
Product Name: High-Performance Materials for PEMFC and SOFC Research
Product Summary
Our Fuel Cell Research Materials portfolio offers specialized, high-purity components crucial for the development of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). Fuel cells represent a key technology in New Energy Research, converting chemical energy directly into electrical energy with high efficiency and low environmental impact.
We supply a controlled inventory of catalysts, membranes, and support structures that are rigorously tested for their electrochemical activity, mechanical stability, and long-term durability. These materials are designed to enhance the efficiency of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) and the Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction (HOR), which are central to fuel cell performance.
Key Material Categories
| Category | Examples | Primary Function |
| Electrocatalysts | Platinum (Pt) supported on Carbon Black (e.g., Vulcan XC-72), Pt/C alloys (e.g., PtRu/C, PtNi/C), Non-Pt Group Metals (NPGM) | Accelerates the chemical reaction at the electrodes (anode and cathode). |
| Catalyst Supports | Vulcan XC-72 Carbon Black, Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) | Provides high surface area and electrical conductivity for catalyst dispersion and electron transport. |
| Membranes/Electrolytes | Nafion membranes (for PEMFC), Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ), Ceria (for SOFC) | Separates reactants and selectively transports ions (protons for PEMFC, oxygen ions for SOFC). |
| Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) | Carbon Paper, Carbon Cloth | Facilitates gas transport to the catalyst layer, removes water, and conducts electrons. |
| Precursors | H₂PtCl₆ (Chloroplatinic Acid), Metal salts | Raw materials for synthesizing custom catalysts and electrolyte components. |
Primary Applications
PEMFC (Low-Temperature) Research:
Membrane-Electrode Assembly (MEA) Fabrication: Used to formulate catalyst inks and assemble the core MEA structure for testing in single cells.
Catalyst Screening: Testing new alloy compositions and support structures to reduce platinum loading and improve durability.
GDL Optimization: Evaluating different carbon paper treatments and pore structures for efficient water management and gas delivery.
SOFC (High-Temperature) Research:
Electrolyte Synthesis: Providing stabilized zirconia and ceramic powders for fabricating dense, high-conductivity electrolyte films.
Electrode Formulation: Supplying specialized ceramic powders (e.g., LSC, LSM, NiO/YSZ) for manufacturing high-activity porous cathode and anode layers.
Technical Significance
The quality of these materials directly impacts the fuel cell’s ability to maintain high power density and long-term durability. For PEMFCs, catalyst support and membrane integrity are critical for preventing degradation under the highly acidic and oxidative environment.2 For SOFCs, the purity and sintering characteristics of the ceramic materials are paramount to ensuring gas tightness and optimal ionic conductivity at high operating temperatures.
Ordering and Consultation
We offer a flexible range of materials from research-grade powders to finished components like Nafion membranes.
Expert Support: Our technical specialists can provide guidance on catalyst ink preparation and the selection of GDLs and membrane thicknesses to match your specific fuel cell design and operational parameters.
Traceability: All chemical precursors and catalysts are traceable, ensuring the integrity of your research data.
