ITM Power - Catalytic Improvements for Electrochemical Cells

Within electrochemical cells, it is critical to achieve good contact between the catalyst (which produces the gas) and the membrane (which separates the anode and cathode within the cell).
ITM Power has a patent covering a novel method of achieving this: catalyst is sprayed onto the walls of a mould, liquid monomers are poured into the mould, cured and the mould peeled away, transferring the catalyst to the membrane. The catalyst is then in intimate contact with the membrane resulting in excellent performance. The concept is simple, but achieving good bonding with the membrane without encapsulating the catalyst took years to develop.
Recently, ITM has developed a new catalyst with improved performance and durability,
which improves the electrolyser efficiency, however initial indications are that the ink transfer parameters established for the old catalyst do not work with the new catalyst. This project is to investigate the feasibility of utilising the new catalyst within ITMs commercial electrolysers.