How can precise process control and automated experiment control enable the production of high-quality technology, and Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM investigates how parallel testing (combinatorial screening) can be extended to high‑pressure electrocatalysis to accelerate materials research for climate‑friendly technologies.
The authors present an automated, high‑throughput setup for PEM water electrolysis under elevated pressure, based on a compressible cell and a six‑piston hydraulic press with dual, independently controllable compression regimes. This design enables precise control of sealing and active‑area compression up to 60 barg, while integrated sensors allow real‑time monitoring and optimization of contact resistance. The system addresses a key gap in high‑pressure screening tools and demonstrates its viability through zero‑gap PEM water electrolysis, highlighting its relevance for efficient and scalable hydrogen production.
Authors: Stefan Bowe, Inka Dessel, Florian Huber, Asha Jacob, Andreas Müller, Oliver Püttmann, Ralf Kuppinger, Kevin Stojanovski, Guido Wasserschaff, Deniz Dogan, Rüdiger-Albert Eichel, Burkhard Hecker, Xuehuai Hou, André Karl, Andrei Salavei, Hermann Tempel, Niklas Wolf, Volkmar M. Schmidt, Jonas Hein, Hans-Joachim Kost, Patrick Löb, Athanassios Ziogas
