Discussion on the Challenges of DMFC Catalyst Loading Process for Mass Production

In manufacturing direct methanol fuel cells, there are two critical processes: manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly, and loading the catalyst. The catalyst loading process is especially influential on the efficiency of the DMFC. In this paper, we focus on the catalyst loading process for mass production capabilities. The study focuses on evaluating the application of screen printing machinery to catalyst loading. This is approached by discussing different methods of catalyst deposition, considering their loading range, equipment used, ink form, base substance, and ink contents. Then an empirical study of screen printing machinery is concluded. The study concludes that the screen printing method is the most suitable way of loading the catalysts in the case of scale-up.