In this application report we will focus on catalytic material and ion-conducting membranes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) whose major components are listed in Table 1. The PEMFCs have a quite broad range of applications due to their sufficiently low working temperature and quick start up times. An exemplary model of PEMFC is depicted in Figure 1. The membrane typically consists of a carbon
support, Pt particles, an ion-conducting membrane (e.g. Nafion ionomer), and/or Teflon binder.

In this report we demonstrate how the particle size, zeta potential and surface zeta potential give important information for the development and the production of catalytic material and ion conducting membranes with improved efficiency.

About Anton Paar USA
Anton Paar USA is a subsidiary of the Graz, Austria-based Anton Paar. Anton Paar is the world’s premier manufacturer of measuring and analytical instrumentation used by laboratories and manufacturers during both research and development and quality control. Founded in 1922, Anton Paar now has subsidiaries in 31 different countries across the world.

Since the beginning of 2018, Anton Paar USA has expanded its USA operations to include four regional offices, with full sales and laboratory operations now taking place in Torrance, California, Houston, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois, while the main Anton Paar USA headquarters remains in Ashland, Virginia.