CyclAFlor^® Applications

Fuel Cell Ionomers

Fuel cells generate electricity and heat using an electrochemical reaction, not combustion, emitting only water if hydrogen is used as the fuel source.  They are a critical component of the “hydrogen economy”, a term which refers to the vision of hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source for distributed power generation and intermittent-source (e.g., solar, wind) energy storage, and to replace natural gas for heating and gasoline for vehicle transportation.  Today fuel cells are contributing to environmental stewardship and helping corporations achieve strategic emissions reduction goals and commitments.

Membrane Electrode Assemblies (“MEAs”) are the heart of fuel cells, comprising a membrane, catalyst layers (anode and cathode), and diffusion media.  The membrane component of a MEA can let protons pass through from anode to cathode, but not electrons (a “Proton Exchange Membrane” or “PEM”) or vice-versa (an “Anion Exchange Membrane” or “AEM”).  CyclAFlor catalyst binder ionomers are highly permeable to oxygen and hydrogen and can improve the efficiency of the gas diffusion layer/catalyst interface in fuel cell PEMs, potentially reducing the amount of platinum-grade metal catalysts used in the fuel cell design.  This could reduce the cost and improve the performance and durability of MEAs, making fuel cells a more attractive alternative to other forms of clean energy.

Also, hydrogen separation membranes coated with CyclAFlor Separator can be used in clean fuel production for purifying hydrogen made from methane and ammonia to power fuel cells.