Great progress has been made in the research of CCM type membrane electrode in China
August 14 06:35:17, 2025
On the 24th, the Ministry of Science and Technology's website reported significant progress in the "Next-Generation Fuel Cell System Research and Development" project led by DAL, supported by the 863 Program's major electric vehicle initiatives. A key breakthrough has been made in the development of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), which are central to proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). These MEAs directly influence the performance and efficiency of the fuel cell, making them a critical focus for innovation.
The research team has successfully developed a CCM (Catalyst Coated Membrane) type membrane electrode using electrostatic spraying technology. This method allows for a reduction in platinum loading while enhancing catalyst efficiency. A short fuel cell stack was assembled using this advanced CCM electrode. The platinum loading in the control electrode was set at 0.6 mg/cm², and the test results showed that its performance was comparable or even superior to conventional GDE (Gas Diffusion Electrode) type electrodes, which typically use 1 mg/cm² of platinum.
Under atmospheric pressure, 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 consumption in the stack was only 0.65 g/kW, representing a 40% reduction compared to the end of the "Eleventh Five-Year Plan" period.
Furthermore, the research group is exploring the use of TiOâ‚‚ (titanium dioxide) nanotube arrays to create membrane electrodes with ordered structures. This approach is seen as a promising direction for developing ultra-low platinum fuel cell systems, which could significantly reduce costs and improve sustainability in future fuel cell technologies.