A US jetting technology firm has developed two new technologies for applying catalyst inks, which contain platinum, onto membranes in electrode assemblies of proton exchange and direct methanol fuel cells.

The technologies, the manufacturers claim, limit waste and are less expensive than existing methods since the Asymtek jet is able to deposit the ink precisely where it is programmed to be placed. It is also able to deposit discrete dots in any pattern required without masking, while the closed-loop system employed measures the exact amount of fluid that is deposited, Asymtek says.

Jim Klocke, Asymtek, Senior Business Development Manager, said: "The success of the catalyst ink depends 50 per cent on its chemistry and 50 per cent on its application.

"While most application methods use spray technology, the catalyst inks may vary in thickness and density. With Asymtek’s jet dispensing, all those problems are eliminated and the ink is deposited precisely, with uniform thickness and density."

Founded in 1983, Asymtek manufactures automated fluid dispensing technology as well as a line of dispending and conformal coating systems.

Source:

Asymtek’s Jet Dispensing Precisely and Accurately Dispenses Catalyst Ink on Fuel Cell Membranes, 10/09/07
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