SOLIDpower was struggling to manually record and calculate the weighing results of a precise, layer-by-layer application of catalyst to its revolutionary fuel cells. A METTLER TOLEDO precision balance coupled with LabX® software proved to be a viable solution for their recordkeeping tasks.
SOLIDpower’s manufacturing process involves applying anode and cathode layers to a central electrolyte layer using a proprietary metallic spray, then heat-treating the result. A final layer is “screen printed” onto the cell to provide electrical contact between cells. When run, charged oxygen atoms in the air at the anode travel uni-directionally across the electrolyte to react with hydrogen in the fuel gas creating water and free electrons. Stacks of these cells generating free electrons as usable power can produce a unit that operates everyday applications.
To ensure optimum performance, in-process fuel cells are weighed before and after application of each layer of metallic spray to quantify the addition of the correct material amount. In doing so, calculations were being performed and recorded by hand, leaving room for error.
Learn more about METTLER TOLEDO XPE precision balances and how they can combine with LabX laboratory software.
Additional information about METTLER TOLEDO can be found at http://www.mt.com