Inkjet Printing Meets Electrochemical Energy Conversion

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Inkjet printing is a powerful, mask-less microfabrication technique.
• It is increasingly used in electrochemical energy conversion research.
• Electrocatalyst materials and catalyst layers are crucial for fuel cell performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in inkjet printing for electrocatalyst discovery.
• To present methods for preparing catalyst layers for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
• To summarize future research directions in inkjet printing for energy applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on inkjet printing in electrochemistry.
• Presentation of Laboratory of Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry (LEPA) approaches.
• Focus on inkjet printing of catalyst layers and membrane electrode assemblies.

Main Results:

• Inkjet printing facilitates the exploration of new electrocatalyst materials.
• The technique allows for precise preparation of catalyst layers for fuel cells.
• LEPA has developed specific inkjet printing methodologies for fuel cell components.

Conclusions:

• Inkjet printing is a versatile tool for advancing electrocatalyst research and fuel cell technology.
• LEPA's work demonstrates the potential of inkjet printing for future energy solutions.
• Future research will leverage inkjet printing at the new Energypolis campus.