HORIBA, Ltd. has released the CCM/MEA*2 catalyst coating monitor XV-100, a groundbreaking solution designed to streamline the roll-to-roll coating*3 process of catalyst layers in PEM fuel cells and electrolyzers, which are key technologies in the transition to a hydrogen-powered, carbon-neutral society.
In recent years, hydrogen has been attracting attention as an important energy source, and demand for fuel cells and water electrolyzers is growing rapidly. However, towards realizing a carbon-neutral society, many challenges have been emerging in the hydrogen market, which is experiencing accelerated technical development worldwide. One such challenge is improving the performance of PEM fuel cells and water electrolyzers, which rely heavily on noble metal catalysts, such as platinum and iridium. This has a high-cost burden and leads to problems in controlling the amount of coating applied or the thickness of the metal. The XV-100 provides optimization of the coating process and minimize material waste through non-destructive, non-contact, inline measurement during roll-to-roll processes. Leveraging HORIBA’s advanced X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology, the XV-100 delivers continuous, real-time monitoring of catalyst coating with an industry-leading response time as low as 0.01 seconds*4. This enables precise control over coating quantity and uniformity, directly contributing to higher production yields, improved quality control, and significant cost reductions. Even when multiple units are used in each process, centralized data measurement enables improvement of work efficiency and saves manpower. Furthermore, customizable engineering services are available, including construction of a traverse mechanism*5 and the provision of data management solutions, allowing us to tailor our support to meet each customer's needs.
Teruhiko Ikeda, Chief Manager of the Energy & Environment Strategy Office at HORIBA, Ltd. explains, "HORIBA’s elemental analyzers, built upon our core X-ray fluorescence technology, have been further refined to meet evolving needs of the hydrogen industry. We are supporting the realization of carbon-neutral society by offering innovative, measurement-driven solutions to improve the performance and economics for all kinds of processes in order to intelligently generate, store, and use new energy sources such as hydrogen."
*1 Polymer Electrolyte Membrane. This electrolyzes water to produce hydrogen.
*2 CCM: Catalyst Coated Membrane, MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly
Both are critical components of PEM fuel cells and water electrolyzers.
*3 A processing method in which a rolled base material is subjected to processing such as printing or coating, and then rolled up again.
*4 As of February 2025. In an X-ray fluorescence analyzer (analysis by HORIBA, Ltd.)
Results may vary depending on use and conditions.
*5 A system of devices for moving an object to any position.
