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...there are many. It allows “well to wheel”, i.e. CO2-neutral transport from production to the consumer. The filling station infrastructure only needs moderate upgrading. Filling the tank can be done in a few minutes, similar to a combustion engine, and provides enough fuel for up to 800 km.
At the heart of the fuel cell is the Catalyst Coated Membrane (CCM), a membrane on which catalysts are applied. This membrane separates hydrogen and oxygen and simultaneously transports the positively charged protons from the hydrogen side (anode) to the air side (cathode). At the cathode, these protons use catalysts to react with atmospheric oxygen to form water. This produces electrical energy, e.g. for drives.
...is very important in this context. “The GDL must optimally distribute all gases to the CCM electrodes and remove water, heat and electricity”, explained Dr. Volker Banhardt. “The more homogenously the gases are distributed and the more evenly they flow across the entire cross-section, the more electricity is produced and the power density of the fuel cell increases.”
Dr. Volker Banhardt, Head of Sales & Marketing Fuel Cell Products, FPM, Weinheim/Germany
To fulfill all the transport requirements mentioned, a conductive carbon structure is impregnated and coated with specially developed materials. Binding fluoropolymers allow the liquid to roll off so that the nonwoven does not become saturated with water. Thanks to its flexibility, the FPM carbon fiber structure can be easily compressed during the production process without being damaged.
“As a result, Freudenberg’s GDL is a key component in simplifying production and increasing the performance and service life of the fuel cell”, commented Dr. Volker Banhardt.
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