Membrane Electrode Assembly
The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is the core component of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). It mainly consists of three parts:Proton exchange membrane: This is a polymer membrane responsible for conducting hydrogen ions (protons) while isolating electrons and gases.
Catalyst layer: Located on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, they are the anode and cathode catalyst layers respectively. Electrochemical reactions take place in these layers, converting hydrogen and oxygen into water and generating an electric current.
Gas diffusion layer: Located outside the catalyst layer, it helps the reaction gases to be evenly distributed to the catalyst layer and discharges the generated water and heat.
The design and manufacturing of MEA is critical to fuel cell performance as it directly affects the efficiency and stability of the cell.
VINATech's fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) offer outstanding performance, particularly in drainage management, thanks to their sub-100nm electrode porosity control technology. VINATech MEA helps improve fuel cell performance and extend its service life.
Since 2002, VINATech began to develop Pt catalysts for fuel cells based on Carbon technology, and later expanded to MEA products. VINATech's R&D team has successfully developed its own technology membrane electrode assembly for hydrogen fuel cells. The DMFC series is designed for direct methanol fuel cells, while the PEMFC is suitable for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
VINATech MEA Features
1. High durability and excellent catalyst carrier corrosion resistance
2. Support membrane electrode assemblies with customized size and performance
3. Suitable for low humidity operating conditions
4. Has a decisive impact on the output efficiency of the fuel cell stack
PEMFC application introduction: Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is an innovative power supply system that converts the chemical energy of fuel into immediately usable electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. As long as there is a constant supply of fuel, electricity can continue to be produced and scarcity avoided. Currently, the most commonly used fuels are hydrogen and methanol, which can come from renewable sources and do not cause environmental pollution, so fuel cells are regarded as a green energy source that conforms to the environmental protection concept.
The application fields of fuel cells can be divided into three main categories: automobiles, stationary power generation and portable electronic products. In the early days, fuel cell products were mainly used in stationary power generation and portable electronic products, while the realization of automotive fuel cells came later. Almost all of the world's top ten multinational companies have invested in the fuel cell industry, and developers can be divided into material/system suppliers and product manufacturers.
DMFC application introduction: Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is a type of proton exchange membrane fuel cell that uses methanol as liquid fuel. Methanol is decomposed into carbon dioxide, protons and electrons at the anode. The protons move to the cathode through the proton exchange membrane and react with oxygen; at the same time, the electrons flow to the cathode through the external circuit to complete the work. The reaction equation is: 2 CH3OH + 3 O2 = 4 H2O + 2 CO2.
Compared with other fuel cells, DMFC has the advantages of low reaction temperature (not exceeding 100°C), fast startup, no noise, no magnetic waves, and easy portability. It is an important part of future power products.
