Celtec-P® Membranes

Introduction

BASF has introduced a proton-conductive, polybenzimidazole (PBI) based, membrane that operates effectively at temperatures reaching up to 180°C, making it ideal for resilient fuel cell systems and improving the efficiency of hydrogen extraction from gas mixtures. 

Materials used in high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells and systems for electrochemical hydrogen separation can face challenges due to cyclical operations, various impurities in the gas stream, and fluctuating application conditions. Celtec® membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) functions within a temperature range of 120 to 180 °C, which enhances its ability to tolerate impurities and streamline water management processes.

Applications

Celtec®membranes are used for:

Electrochemical hydrogen separation: 
i) Celtec® technology boosts the efficiency of steam methane reformers by enhancing hydrogen separation from gas mixtures, recovering the 20-30% of hydrogen that traditional methods like pressure swing adsorption cannot.
ii) Hydrogen is used in the metal industry for surface treatment.  These gases are then burned and fresh hydrogen has to be added. With Celtec® technology, the hydrogen can be recovered from the exhaust gases and mixed back into the feed gas.
iii) Celtec® allows green hydrogen to be injected into natural gas pipelines and later separated for industrial or fuel cell use, supporting sustainable energy solutions.

High-temperature PEM Fuel Cells.:
Fuel cells efficiently generate electricity and heat by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as a byproduct. High-temperature PEM fuel cells are ideal for using reformate gas from sources like methanol and natural gas, making them suitable for various applications, including vehicles and ships. They can serve as a primary power source or complement batteries, enabling longer distances for battery-driven vehicles.

Production of Celtec-P® MEAs

BASF has been producing Celtec® membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for fuel cells since 2005, BASF and its customer's has conducted thorough testing and demonstrated its long-term stability and high performance under challenging conditions. Recently, they have focused on testing Celtec® technology for electrochemical hydrogen separation. The MEA combines anodes, membranes, cathodes, and seals, enabling electricity generation or hydrogen separation. The gas-proof membrane, made through a patented sol-gel process, contains phosphoric acid for proton conduction, while gas diffusion electrodes facilitate gas distribution and electron conduction during reactions.