Epsilon Xline: The X factor for fuel cell production
It’s surely only a matter of time before fuel cells meet their full potential within the smart energy revolution. The question is: how much time?
This is an important question because cleaner hydrogen energy is a must. It will have important applications in industries such as transport, providing superfast charging for the electric cars of the future. Road transport currently accounts for around 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe alone, so the arrival of accessible and affordable greener energy storage solutions for vehicles will be a welcome development.
A cost-efficiency challenge
Manufacturers are working hard to make this vision a reality, but there’s work to do before fuel cell technology becomes a viable everyday alternative to fossil fuels. One of the main challenges? Cost control during the production of catalyst-coated polymer electrolyte membranes.
It starts with the materials themselves: platinum catalysts, for instance, account for more than 20% of the overall fuel cell cost. So, using them effectively is key to cost efficiency. Apply too much coating, and you waste valuable metal catalysts. Too little, and the catalyst is ineffective, resulting in a lower quality end-product and affecting sales.
As global materials costs and energy prices rise, it’s more important than ever for manufacturers to find the optimal layering process. And for that, they need the very latest and most efficient analytical tools.
A state-of-the-art, versatile XRF solution
As the first in-line analytic process control tool for applied coatings, the Epsilon Xline is a groundbreaking solution for manufacturers. Based on Malvern Panalytical’s advanced Epsilon 4 X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, the Xline offers real-time monitoring with accurate results and a precision rate of more than 95%. With no need to take samples off-line, you can minimize delays in electrode production and enjoy live control over your catalyst coating composition and loading.
The Epsilon Xline comes with several scanning modes, making it suitable for a range of layering processes, including patch, continuous, and multi-lane coating. What’s more, this non-destructive instrument even includes a dedicated software package, so you can seamlessly integrate it into your existing operations.
Our user-friendly interface is designed to provide manufacturers with clear insights into the measurements of platinum, cerium, and more. Supported by a clear overview and full tracking data, you can respond with confidence to the Xline’s up-to-the-minute readings.
After all, in challenging times of tight margins and materials shortages, every second – and every layer of catalyst – matters. With the Epsilon Xline, fuel cell manufacturers can ensure uniform dispersion and consistent layering, so there’s no precious platinum wasted and no compromise on end-product quality. When it comes to cost savings, that’s a win-win!
Layer up your understanding with our webinar
Sign up for our webinar on “Discover the Future of Materials Analysis in Roll-to-Roll Production with Epsilon Xline”, in which we take a look at how direct analysis allows continuous optimization and helps maximize cost-efficiency.
And, after you’ve watched the webinar, discover more about how we can help the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology on our solutions webpage!