A novel scrape-applied method for the manufacture of the membrane–electrode assembly of the fuel–cell system

Abstract

This study investigates the transfer of the scrape-applied method from the electrodes of a lithium battery to the membrane–electrode assembly of fuel cells, including Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell. Three methods are commonly used to manufacture lithium battery electrodes: the roller-applied method, the spraying-applied method, and the scrape-applied method. This study develops novel scrape-applied equipment for lithium battery electrodes. This method is novel and suitable for producing fuel cell, better than other traditional methods. In this study, the stability of coating process was tested by measuring the weight and thickness of a dry electrode. The stability and reproducibility of electrode fabrication were examined by systematic data analysis. Finally, the study used a specially designed single cell composed of 16 conductive segments, which are insulated locally. The current passing through each segment was measured using Hall Effect sensors connected to the segment compartments. Based on the measured distribution of the local current in a segmented single cell, the influence of flooding and stoichiometry variation of feed gas was discussed in terms of electrochemical reaction rate. The experimental results serve as an important basis for future research in this field, which hold potential benefits to the academia and the industry.