Homogenous Dispersions for Energy Applications
Fuel Cells
Fuel cell production is in heavy demand due to its ability to create energy electronically from fuel, such as hydrogen or methane, and air or oxygen without burning or creating environmental pollutants.
There are several different types of fuel cells depending on the type of electrolyte the employ, among which Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM), also known as polymer electrolyte membrane, fuel cells are one common type. Fuel cell production consists of two electrodes coated by an “ink,” which contains a catalyst, often noble metals, and carbon that are separated by an electrolyte. The quality of the catalyst layer, such as morphological distribution of the catalyst, is critical in determining the performance and efficiency of fuel cells. Microfluidics has consistently demonstrated the ability to process materials used in the production of fuel cell components and other similar materials (such as inkjet inks) that require uniform particle size and high surface area. Microfluidics is the perfect partner for customers looking for a uniform, contamination-free, scalable dispersing technology to enhance their formula performance. Few homogenizer technologies can obtain the results achieved by Microfluidizer® technology.
Microfluidizer® processors help manufacturers of catalyst or electrode materials to:
- Reduce the amount of catalyst needed by increasing the surface area, thus saving money
- Efficiently achieve superior dispersion with small particle size for a better reaction
- Eliminate contamination introduction or future issues
- Address solvents related safety concerns with ATEX designs
- Create uniform electrodes for easier and more consistent post-processing
- Scale up from lab to full industrial production - unlike other methods available, Microfluidizer technology is linearly scalable from R&D results to full production volumes
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are carbon tubes that have single wall (SWCNT) or multiple walls (MWCNT) and conduct electricity. Comprised of carbon atoms held together with strong covalent bonds, CNTs have exceptional strength and flexibility and are used in a range of applications from energy storage to coatings. Microfluidizer® processors are ideally suited for the deagglomeration and dispersion of CNTs.
The Microfluidizer® technology, with its fixed-geometry Interaction Chamber™, is proven to successfully create nanodispersions with great uniformity, repeatability and guaranteed scalability - vital in CNT manufacturing.
