Pacific Fuel Cell has engineered a next-generation membrane electrode assembly for direct methanol and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The MEA is the heart of a fuel cell and is critical for efficiently generating electricity. What is unique about the companys next-generation MEA technology?

The unique feature of Pacific Fuel Cells MEA is its use of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are great electron conductors and electrochemically stable. They can also have high surface area and provides many advantages over previous MEA technologies.

One significant problem with previous MEA technology is the quantities of precious metals required and their associated high cost (e.g., platinum currently is over $900 US dollars/per ounce). In previous MEA technologies, platinum is deposited on carbon black particles and the supported catalysts are then sprayed or brushed onto the carbon paper. However, this process is not ideal and leaves many of the expensive platinum particles not fully utilized in the electricity making process. Pacific Fuel Cell's scientists have solved the problem. By using carbon nanotubes as the catalyst support and aligning them in a unique way, an ideal surface area is realized and the electricity-producing platinum nanoparticles can be fully utilized. In fact, due to this improved utilization of precious metals, much less amounts of the expensive platinum particles are needed to reach a desired power level of the MEA. Therefore, Pacific Fuel Cell's next-generation carbon nanotube MEAТ“ technology still provides maximum power output while significantly decreasing the cost of making fuel cells.

Another significant problem with previous MEA technologies is the limited life span of the electricity-producing precious metals (e.g., platinum). The limited life span of the platinum particles is due to the instability of the carbon black support. During repeated use and under high electrochemical potential, the carbon black supports tend to be corroded causing the platinum particles to dislodge, aggregate, and precipitate into highly inefficient clumps. Since the platinum particles are critical for making power, the MEA becomes gradually inefficient and the fuel cells performance deteriorates. Eventually, the MEA and fuel cell need to be replaced. Again, Pacific Fuel Cell's technology has solved the problem. Instead of attaching to the carbon black, the companyФ”s scientists attach the platinum nanoparticles to the carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are more stable than carbon black and this attachment is stronger and more secure. Therefore, the platinum nanoparticles stay in place and dispersed, and subsequently, increase the life span of the precious metals, MEA and fuel cell.

Pacific Fuel Cell's carbon nanotube MEA technology can help enable a new generation of more efficient and better performing fuel cells. Pacific Fuel Cell's carbon nanotube MEA technology can be engineered to meet your company's different fuel cell wattage and amperage requirements. From small fuel cells to large fuel cells, Pacific Fuel Cell's next-generation carbon nanotube MEA technology can provide your company with an improved fuel cell solution.