Infrastructure and Services
Fuel Cell and electrolysis test benches
Fuel cell systems are becoming an increasingly important technology, in stationary systems as well as mobile applications. PSI offers independent validation and characterization of stacks and systems up to a power of 35 kW based on customer designed protocols. With our partly commercial, partly specifically developed test benches we are able to carry out complex characterization and long-term durability tests.
X-ray computerized tomography
X-ray computerized tomography (CT) is a powerful tool to characterize the microstructure of electrochemical devices and its components. Our GE nanotom-m micro-CT system is equipped with a 15 W / 180 kVp microfocus X-ray tube, a 7.2 Mpixel flat panel detector and provides resolutions in the range from 1 to 100 µm. It is well suited to analyze GDL fine structure to complete 18650 lithium ion battery cells or even larger samples.
Ion Chromatography
Fluoride as decomposition product of perfluorosulfonic acid membranes can be analyzed in the product water of PE fuel cells by ion chromatography. Our Metrohm 882 Compact IC plus has a detection limit of <1 -ppb. The machine is configured for anion analysis, multi-Ion-Standards are used to quantify Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrate, Phosphate and Sulfate concentrations in the range up to hundreds of ppm.