Great progress has been made in the research of CCM type membrane electrode in China
August 14 06:11:05, 2025
On the 24th, the Ministry of Science and Technology's official website reported significant progress in the "Next-Generation Fuel Cell System Research and Development" project led by DAL, under the support of the 863 Program's major electric vehicle initiatives. A key breakthrough was achieved in the development of advanced membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), which are crucial components in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). These MEAs directly impact the performance and efficiency of the fuel cell, making them a central focus for innovation.
The research team successfully developed a CCM (Catalyst Coated Membrane) type membrane electrode using electrostatic spraying technology. This method not only reduces the platinum loading but also enhances the efficiency of the catalyst layer. A short fuel cell stack was assembled using this new process. The platinum loading in the control electrode was set at 0.6 mg/cm², and the test results showed that its performance was comparable to, and in some cases even better than, conventional GDE (Gas Diffusion Electrode) type electrodes with a platinum loading of 1 mg/cm².
Under atmospheric pressure conditions, the "H-Air" (H₂/Air) fuel cell achieved an average voltage of 0.67 V at a current density of 1 A/cm², and 0.70 V under pressurized conditions—matching international leading standards. At a peak power output of 1.5 A/cm², the platinum usage in the stack was only 0.65 g/kW, representing a reduction of about 40% compared to the end of the "Eleventh Five-Year Plan" period.
In addition, the research group is exploring the use of TiOâ‚‚ (titanium dioxide) nanotube arrays to create membrane electrodes with ordered structures. Such structured electrodes are considered a promising direction for developing ultra-low platinum fuel cell systems, offering potential improvements in both performance and cost-effectiveness. This ongoing work highlights the commitment of the team to advancing fuel cell technology toward more sustainable and efficient energy solutions.