Catalyst Coated Membrane Conditioning

Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell production facility must condition rolls of catalyst coated membrane [CCM] material to specific humidity and temperature conditions before using CCM in the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel cell manufacturing process. Rolls of CCM material are conditioned in a clean room for a fixed time upon delivery to the facility. Previous testing was conducted to determine the time at which a cut segment of CCM could lay flat. To ensure CCM have dimensional stability, the CCM roll must have uniform water content. Ionic and electronic conductivity are water dependent properties so a CCM will be uniformly conditioned when they equilibrate. The roll conditioning time can be determined when a signal clearly indicates that ionic and/or electronic conductivity has reached a steady state. A testing apparatus and process will be developed to quantitatively measure whether a CCM roll has been conditioned uniformly. This can improve knowledge of conditioning time requirements; initiate potential standard development; improve quality assurance by tailoring conditioning time to individual types of CCM material and thickness; and possibly reduce the fixed time conditioning process to reduce overall fuel cell manufacturing time.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jon Pharoah

Student:

Partner:

Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Retail trade

University:

Queen's University

Program: