catalytic-layers-in-fuel-cells

Hydrogen Fuel Cells & Electrolyzers

On this page:
atomic number for hydrogen in water droplet on the earth with green blurred background

Hydrogen Fuel Cells Overview

VERSIV  multi-material composites work as industry-leading protection and barrier solutions when used as cells, seals, and separators within hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers. Our films and fabrics increase membrane electrode assembly efficiency and help manufacturers achieve reduced stack height, high-speed decal productivity, and thinner, more homogenous catalyst layers.

VERSIV film is ideal for customized fuel cell and electrolyzer solutions as it can be further processed by various techniques such as stretching, laminating, or surface treating to enhance its properties for specific applications.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack

Hydrogen fuel cells provide a clean and efficient way to store and transport energy for use in homes, businesses, and vehicles.

VERSIV monolayer films enhance the performance of fuel cells, irrespective of the most stressful and challenging conditions, including working at high pressures and temperatures of up to 300˚C (572˚F) and in harsh chemical environments. By helping to maximize fuel cell performance and longevity, our solutions are contributing to their wider usage, both as components and as process aids.

Applications Within Fuel Cells

fuel cell plate protection diagram

Gaskets

Gaskets made out of VERSIV films can be used to protect graphite Bi-polar plates in fuel cells. The films help to increase the durability and stability of the Bi-polar plate by protecting it from corrosion and other forms of degradation. This can lead to longer-lasting and more efficient fuel cells.

fuel cell decal production diagram

Decal transfer process aid

Our films can be used as a substrate/carrier during the Decal Transfer Method. Our materials are ideal for the process as they provide smooth and homogenous surfaces and very tight thickness control. It means the coating process can be optimized during the DTM, resulting in very thin catalyst layers, improving the efficiency of the MEA and the overall stack. The used surface energies allow both wettability and release.

Benefits of VERSIV films in hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer infrastructure

H2 Electrolyzer

High Chemical Resistance & Low Permeability to Gases

High chemical resistance: PTFE-coated films are highly resistant to chemicals, making them ideal for use in the harsh chemical environment of hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers. It can withstand exposure to aggressive chemicals such as strong acids and bases, which are commonly used in the manufacturing of fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Low permeability to gases: Our films have extremely low permeability to gases, including hydrogen, which is a key component in fuel cells and electrolyzers. This property ensures that hydrogen gas is contained within the cell and does not leak out, which is essential for the safe and efficient operation of the application.
 

hydrogen tanks with wind turbines in the background

Excellent electrical insulation & Temperature Resistance

Excellent electrical insulation: VERSIV films are an excellent electrical insulator, which is important in hydrogen applications where electrical current must be conducted through the fuel cell or electrolyzer without shorting out. These fluoropolymer-based films can be used as separators between the cell layers, preventing electrical contact between the anode and cathode.

High-temperature resistance: Our films have excellent high-temperature resistance, which is important in such applications where high temperatures are generated during operation. PTFE-based films can withstand temperatures up to 260°C without degradation, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

Saint-Gobain Logo

Why Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions?

Saint-Gobain Composite Solutions is part of a world-class manufacturing organization drawing from over 350 years of history. We use technical and applications engineering to solve the most demanding applications and help customers meet their unique challenges. We put significant focus and investment in developing solutions for fuel cell technology and our close cooperation with universities and research institutions is dedicated to that aim

Clean Lab

Product Development and Innovation

Research and co-development are at the heart of everything we do at Saint-Gobain. Working with our industrial partners, we are always looking to harness the latest innovations to improve our products to provide specialized solutions to the challenges they face

contact

How can we help?

Talk to our team of engineers to start working on your solution today!