Scalable and Innovative Manufacturing for Membrane Electrode Assemblies (SIMMEA)

The objective is for Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells to develop a high-speed continuous manufacturing process for sealed Catalyst Coated Membranes, the major component of fully integrated Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs), which are the energy generators in a Fuel Cell. The process will operate at 20 linear metres per minute, more than x10 current capability and consistent with the production requirements of the other Fuel Cell components. Manufacturing costs will be substantially reduced costs compared to the current material-limited and non-integrated processes. A major challenge will be to place the costly sub-components only in the areas where they are functionally active, and to develop seal materials with adhesion and release properties consistent with the target process speed. Process to attach the Gas Diffusion Layer, another MEA component and quality control development are also involved. MEAs will be qualified by Intelligent Energy in their new platform aimed at powering mobile phone masts.