Platinized titanium (PtTi) screens are primarily used in electrolyzer stacks as part of the flow field or diffuser material, particularly on the oxygen (anode) side, in place of the carbon-based Gas Diffusion Layers (GDL) used in fuel cells. Our platinized titanium screens are produced from expanded titanium that has been flattened and annealed, ensuring a smooth, flat surface suitable for use in electrolyzer or fuel cell stacks. Although most commonly used on the anode side of an electrolyzer, PtTi screens are often used on the cathode side of the electrolyzer as well. Occasionally they can be found in fuel cells as well.
Why not use a Carbon based Gas Diffusion Layer in an Electrolyzer?
Carbon based GDL materials will be consumed and converted into CO2 gas in the presence of the oxygen ions and Voltage found on the anode (oxygen) side of the electrolyzer. This secondary reaction of oxidizing the Carbon in the GDL will give temporarily lower electrolysis voltage, but this is a short lived phenomenon. The carbon GDL is quickly consumed, resulting in poor compression in the stack, and thus high resistance and lower performance.
You can still use carbon cloth or carbon paper material on the Hydrogen side (cathode) since there is no oxygen on that side that will oxidize the GDL material.
Why Platinized vs Untreated Titanium? Untreated Titanium will not be consumed as a carbon GDL will, however, the presence of the oxygen does have an impact. Untreated Titanium quickly forms an oxide coating (TiO2) in the presence of oxygen. This coating is an excellent insulator and will therefore increase the resistance in the cell, thereby lowering performance. This takes longer to be evident as a problem than the oxidation of the carbon GDL, but is still a factor.
Titanium Mesh Properties (inches):
Thickness | Strand Width | Long Edge of Hole |
0.002 | 0.004 | 0.031 |
0.005 | 0.010 | 0.125 |
0.007 | 0.007 | 0.125 |
0.010 | 0.012 | 0.125 |
Platinized Titanium Screen
- Product Code: FE010716
- Availability: In Stock
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416.50€
- Ex Tax: 350.00€
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Tags: titanium mesh, titanium, platinum, gas diffusion layer, GDL, wire mesh