The heart of the fuel cell is referred to as the stack. This is the area where the electrochemical reaction occurs in order to produce electricity. The stack is made from an array of individual cells, each separated by bipolar plates. The individual cell contains a crucial set of elements called the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). It is made from a polymeric proton exchange membrane (PEM) whose surfaces are coated on both sides with a catalyst. Aquivion™, a special proton-conductive material available as a membrane or dispersion, is an excellent choice for the PEM. Various grades are tailored for the type of PEFC to be produced or the processes applied during MEA production. Moreover, Solvay Solexis offers a range of fluoropolymers ideal for high performance, cost effective stack components such as membrane subgaskets, hydrophobic gas diffusion layers, seals, bipolar plates, end plates, or stack housing.
Fuel Cell Balance of Plant
Around the fuel cell stack, there are numerous auxiliary parts such as compressors, tubing, pumps, humidifiers, containers, manifolds, heat exchangers, and others. These enabling components are grouped together and the system is referred to as the balance of plant. Solvay Solexis versatile products such as Algoflon® PTFE dispersions, Tecnoflon® FKM, Galden® PFPE, H-Galden® HFPE are used widely in the production of these types of components.
