Fuel Cell Industry

Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) for the Fuel Cell Industry

ePTFE is a highly durable and versatile material for many applications, primarily because it is chemically inert. It’s a strong contender for use in membranes, supports, venting, sealing and filtration applications. ePTFE’s properties also make it an excellent choice for use in the fuel cell industry and modern energy applications.

TTG has direct experience working with these structures. As a global supplier of state-of-the-art ePTFE products, we understand how this material’s properties and benefits apply in the fuel cell industry. We also have experience customizing ePTFE solutions for varying use cases.

Benefits of ePTFE

Some of the benefits of ePTFE include:

High porosity with remarkable flexibility.
Hydrophobic and oleophobic properties for water pressure up to 10 pounds per square inch (PSI).
High thermal stability to retain flexibility even at low temperatures.
Supportive chemical compatibility even with harsh materials.
Ultra-thin sizes down to 3 mil available.

ePTFE can also achieve high-performance outcomes, depending on the application, by providing:

Strong gas permeability and filtration.
Reliable water management with high durability.
Excellent performance under high-humidity settings or thermal cycling.
Low ionic contamination to retain minimal levels of unwanted charged particles and extend lifecycles.

Additional ePTFE properties include its exceptional porosity as it can filter liquids while maintaining a strong resistance. ePTFE also has an inert chemical nature, so it won’t react to certain complex chemicals used in energy applications. In addition, it has a strong biocompatibility, making it ideal for medical applications.

Use of ePTFE in the Fuel Cell Industry

ePTFE membranes and materials can provide critical reinforcement and added durability to the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) within fuel cells. This enhanced durability extends the life and use of fuel cells, which is crucial for modern technologies and systems.

The ePTFE microporous membrane for fuel cells is thinner, remarkably efficient and still provides excellent durability that standard PEM membranes do not. In addition, because the material is thinner and lightweight, the resulting fuel cells can shed some of that added weight, which is excellent for portability.

TTG has direct experience working with these ultra-thin membranes, including films, filters and laminates. From custom ePTFE solutions for increasingly unique scenarios to thermal lamination and oleophobic treatments, we’ll help you unlock the next-generation properties and benefits of ePTFE.

ePTFE to Meet Growing Energy and Efficiency Demands

As equipment and modern technologies become more capable, they also become more demanding. Today’s technologies require:

A significant increase in power delivery, which next-generation ePTFE-equipped fuel cells can deliver.
Expanded energy storage for longer lifecycles and greater durability.
Exposure to extreme heats and environmental conditions, especially in operational vehicles and equipment.

A membrane-level high-temperature ePTFE for fuel cell stacks can make all the difference for longevity and extended use. ePTFE’s low dielectric constant means it doesn’t retain a high electrical energy capacity. This is useful in the electrical industry for signal strength, reduced interference and improved insulation.

Additionally, ePTFE membranes are soft, flexible and tough, making them naturally suited to applications like advanced filtration, electrical wiring insulation and fuel cell PEM reinforcement. You can rely on the material in applications where alternatives might pose serious problems.

TTG Is Your Source for ePTFE in the Fuel Cell Industry

While ePTFE is an excellent material for the fuel cell industry and more, it also requires custom-tailored solutions and a workable partner with vast knowledge and experience. TTG’s custom ePTFE services are the perfect solution. We specialize in developing products that are unique and ready to use in your facilities.

Because the specific application of ePTFE for fuel cells should determine the structures used, you need a partner that understands the foundational makeup of the material, knows its best use cases and has real-world expertise. Our team is highly collaborative and we make it our mission to work within the parameters and specifications you set, using our innovative development methods to significantly enhance the products and solutions we provide.

We offer:

Unparalleled technology with fully customized ePTFE products.
Cutting-edge ePTFE membranes and laminates built to rigorous standards.
Short timelines even for unique development projects.
Strong communication and close collaboration.
A highly efficient, zero-waste manufacturing process with no emissions.

Reach Out Today

We have extensive experience and skill in creating ePTFE membranes for the fuel cell industry, as well as ePTFE laminations for a variety of films and bonding agents. Direct experience can lead to higher success when developing unique applications.