Adhesives and Sealants for Hydrogen-Based Fuel Cell Assembly
As demand for hydrogen-based fuel cells increases, sealants and adhesives play a crucial role in providing reliable sealing that facilitates automated production.
Hydrogen-based fuel cells achieve high performance and are energy-efficient. They produce no harmful emissions because only water and electrical energy are released when hydrogen reacts with oxygen. Therefore, the technology holds considerable potential for powering electric vehicles as the world transitions away from fossil-based transportation. Since hydrogen is the smallest of all molecules, the adhesives and sealants used for fuel cells must ensure a very tight seal in order to prevent diffusion. Silicones and polyurethanes from WEVO-CHEMIE GmbH are developed for this purpose. Additionally, these products’ low gas permeability has been confirmed by ZBT, the hydrogen and fuel cell center in Duisburg, Germany. The products can be used both for fuel cells themselves (“stacks”) and in the surrounding system (“balance of plant”).
Fuel cells consist of several functional layers that can differ both in terms of the materials and components used as well as in terms of the working principle. One of the most common types, which is currently being widely researched because of its suitability for the automotive sector, is the so-called PEM fuel cell (Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell), which is shown in Figure 1.