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Here are 20 Frequently Asked Questions About Sintered Metal Filters
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1.What is a Sintered Metal Filter?
A sintered metal filter is a type of filter that uses a porous metal material to remove contaminants from a fluid or gas. The metal material is made by sintering, which is a process of heating and compressing metal powders to form a solid. Sintered metal filters are known for their high strength, durability, and ability to filter a wide range of particle sizes.
2.How does a sintered metal filter work?
A sintered metal filter works by trapping contaminants within the pores of the metal material as the fluid or gas passes through the filter. The size of the pores determines the size of the particles that can be filtered, with smaller pores able to filter smaller particles. The contaminants are retained within the filter until it is cleaned or replaced.
3.What are the benefits of using a sintered metal filter?
There are several benefits of using a sintered metal filter, including:
A: High strength and durability: Sintered metal filters are made from metal, which gives them high strength and durability compared to other types of filters.
B: Wide range of particle sizes: Sintered metal filters can effectively filter a wide range of particle sizes, from submicron to several microns in size.
C: Chemical compatibility: Sintered metal filters can be made from a variety of metals and alloys, allowing them to be used in a range of chemical environments.
D: High temperature resistance: Sintered metal filters can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for use in high temperature applications.
4. What are the different types of sintered metal filters?
There are several types of sintered metal filters, including:
1. ) Disc filters: These are circular filters that are used in applications where a high flow rate is required.
2.) Sheet filters: These are flat filters that can be cut to fit various sizes and shapes.
3.) Cartridge filters: These are cylindrical filters that are used in applications where a high dirt-holding capacity is required.
5. What materials can be used to make sintered metal filters?
Sintered metal filters can be made from a variety of metals and alloys, including stainless steel, brass, bronze, and titanium. The choice of material depends on the chemical environment and the desired properties of the filter.
6. What is the pore size range of sintered metal filters?
The pore size range of sintered metal filters depends on the metal material used to make the filter. In general, sintered metal filters can have pore sizes ranging from submicron to several microns.
7. How is the pore size of a sintered metal filter determined?
The pore size of a sintered metal filter is determined by the size of the metal particles used to make the filter and the sintering conditions. Smaller metal particles and higher sintering temperatures can result in smaller pore sizes.
8. What is the filtration rating of a sintered metal filter?
The filtration rating of a sintered metal filter is a measure of the size of the particles that the filter can effectively remove from a fluid or gas. It is usually expressed in microns and indicates the maximum size of the particles that the filter can remove.
9. What is the filter's resistance to clogging?
The filter's resistance to clogging depends on the type of filter and the size and type of particles it is designed to filter out. Some filters may be more prone to clogging than others, depending on the materials they are made of and the efficiency of their design.
10. What is the filter's dirt-holding capacity?
The dirt-holding capacity of a filter refers to the amount of dirt, debris, or other contaminants that it can retain before it needs to be replaced or cleaned. This can vary depending on the size and design of the filter, as well as the specific contaminants it is intended to remove.
11. What is the filter's flow rate?
The flow rate of a filter refers to the amount of fluid (such as water or air) that can pass through the filter per unit of time. This can be affected by the size and design of the filter, as well as the pressure of the fluid being filtered.
12. What is the filter's pressure drop?
The pressure drop of a filter is the difference in pressure between the inlet and outlet of the filter. Higher pressure drops can indicate that the filter is clogged or otherwise restricting the flow of fluid.
13. What is the filter's surface area?
The surface area of a filter refers to the total area of the filter material that is exposed to the fluid being filtered. This can be an important factor in determining the efficiency of the filter and its ability to remove contaminants.
14. What is the filter's void volume?
The void volume of a filter refers to the volume of space within the filter that is not occupied by solid material. This can affect the flow rate of the filter and the amount of contaminants it can hold.
15. What is the filter's surface roughness?
The surface roughness of a filter refers to the roughness or smoothness of the filter material's surface. Rougher surfaces may be more effective at trapping contaminants, but may also be more prone to clogging.
16. What is the filter's geometric shape?
The geometric shape of a filter can vary depending on the specific application and the type of filter being used. Some common shapes include cylinders, cones, and cartridges.
17. How is the filter assembled or installed?
The assembly or installation of a filter will depend on the specific filter and the equipment it is being installed in. Some filters may be simply inserted into a housing, while others may require more complex installation procedures.
18. What is the filter's maintenance requirement?
The maintenance requirements for a filter will depend on the specific filter and the conditions it is being used in. Some filters may need to be cleaned or replaced more frequently than others, depending on their design and the contaminants they are being used to remove.
19. What is the filter's life expectancy?
The life expectancy of a filter will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of filter, the conditions it is being used in, and the frequency of maintenance. Some filters may have a longer lifespan than others, while some may need to be replaced more frequently.
20. What is the filter's warranty or guarantee?
The warranty or guarantee for a filter will depend on the specific filter and the manufacturer. Some filters may come with a limited warranty or guarantee, while others may not. It is important to carefully read and understand the terms of any warranty or guarantee before purchasing a filter.
21. Top 20 industry advice to change normal filter to be sintered metal filters
Sintered metal filters are a type of filter that is made from a porous metal material that has been sintered, or fused together, under high heat and pressure. These filters are known for their high strength, durability, and ability to filter out contaminants with high efficiency.
Here are 20 industry tips for changing from normal filters to sintered metal filters:
1. Consider the type of contaminants that need to be filtered out. Sintered metal filters are often used for filtering out particles, such as dust, dirt, or debris, as well as for filtering out gases and liquids.
2. Consider the size and shape of the contaminants that need to be filtered out. Sintered metal filters are available in a range of pore sizes and can be customized to filter out specific size ranges of contaminants.
3. Consider the flow rate and pressure drop of the system. Sintered metal filters have a relatively low pressure drop and can handle high flow rates, making them suitable for use in high-pressure systems.
4. Consider the operating temperature and chemical compatibility of the system. Sintered metal filters are resistant to high temperatures and can be used in a variety of chemical environments.
5. Consider the cleaning and maintenance requirements of the system. Sintered metal filters are easy to clean and maintain, and can often be cleaned and reused multiple times.
6. Choose a reputable supplier of sintered metal filters. Make sure to research different suppliers and choose a company that has a proven track record of producing high-quality sintered metal filters.
7. Compare the cost of sintered metal filters to other types of filters. While sintered metal filters may have a higher upfront cost, they can often save money in the long run due to their durability and ability to be cleaned and reused multiple times.
8. Consider the ease of installation and replacement of sintered metal filters. Sintered metal filters are typically easy to install and replace, making them convenient to use in a variety of applications.
9. Consider the life expectancy of sintered metal filters. Sintered metal filters have a long lifespan and can often be used for many years without needing to be replaced.
10. Consider the environmental impact of sintered metal filters. Sintered metal filters are often more environmentally friendly than other types of filters due to their ability to be cleaned and reused multiple times.
11. Consider the regulatory requirements of your industry. Some industries may have specific regulations related to the use of sintered metal filters. Make sure to research any relevant regulations and ensure that your use of sintered metal filters complies with these requirements.
12. Consult with experts or specialists in your industry. Reach out to experts or specialists in your industry to get their advice on the use of sintered metal filters and to learn about any best practices or recommendations.
13. Test sintered metal filters in your system to ensure they are suitable. It is a good idea to test sintered metal filters in your system to ensure that they are effective at filtering out contaminants and are compatible with your system.
14. Train employees on the proper use and maintenance of sintered metal filters. Make sure to train employees on the proper use and maintenance of sintered metal filters to ensure that they are used correctly and to extend their lifespan.
15. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the use and maintenance of sintered metal filters. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the use and maintenance of sintered metal filters to ensure that they are used correctly and to extend their lifespan.
16. Regularly inspect sintered metal filters
17. Regularly clean and maintain sintered metal filters. Make sure to regularly clean and maintain sintered metal filters to ensure that they are functioning at their best and to extend their lifespan.
18. Use the appropriate cleaning methods for sintered metal filters. Make sure to use the appropriate cleaning methods for sintered metal filters, as specified by the manufacturer, to ensure that they are not damaged during the cleaning process.
19. Store sintered metal filters properly when not in use. Make sure to store sintered metal filters properly when not in use to protect them from damage and to extend their lifespan.
20 Replace sintered metal filters when necessary. Make sure to replace sintered metal filters when necessary to ensure that they are functioning at their best and to maintain the efficiency of your system.
Overall, switching to sintered metal filters can be a good choice for many industrial applications due to their high strength, durability, and ability to filter out contaminants with high efficiency. It is important to consider a variety of factors when making the switch to sintered metal filters and to follow best practices for their use and maintenance to ensure that they are used effectively and to extend their lifespan.
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Post time: Dec-21-
All the standard sheet sizes are 20 x 20cm
*Thickness tolerance is ±150um for all grades.
**The actual weight of the sheet will depend on the final porosity. This is the expected range.
Item
Porosity (%)
Thickness (um)*
Basis Weight (g)
Actual weight (g)**
LINQCELL GFP
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-
-
LINQCELL GFP
-
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LINQCELL GFP
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590
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Fiber Felts are porous, three-dimensional materials used in various applications such as filtration, catalysis, electrode production, and more. They are prized for their unique structural properties and material choices, which make them highly adaptable to specific industrial requirements.
Sintering is a process where fibers are fused together at high temperatures to create a cohesive structure. Sintered Fiber Felts offer increased durability, temperature resistance, and precise pore control. Non-sintered Fiber Felts, on the other hand, are cost-effective and suitable for applications where these specific advantages are not required.
Our Fiber Felts are available in a variety of materials, including titanium, nickel, stainless steel alloys (such as 316), and graphite. Each material is chosen for its unique characteristics, making it suitable for specific applications.
Fiber Felts find applications in a wide range of industries, including chemical processing, petrochemical, water treatment, metallurgy, fuel cells, and more. Their versatility and adaptability make them valuable in various industrial settings.
Non-Sintered Fiber Felts are a cost-effective choice for applications where the advantages of sintering, such as high-temperature resistance and pore control, are not necessary. They are often used in applications where regular replacement is acceptable.
Sintered Fiber Felts provide enhanced durability, precise pore control, and the ability to withstand higher temperatures. They are ideal for applications requiring high-purity filtration and long-lasting performance.
Titanium fiber papers offer several advantages, including high electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. Their porous structure allows for efficient gas diffusion, making them suitable for applications requiring reactant distribution and electrolyte permeation. Additionally, titanium fiber papers are lightweight yet robust, making them ideal for aerospace applications where strength and weight reduction are critical.
Titanium fiber papers are used in various roles within electrochemical systems. They can serve as gas diffusion layers, facilitating effective gas diffusion and reactant distribution in electrolyzers and fuel cells. Additionally, titanium fiber papers function as current collectors, providing a conductive pathway for electron transfer. Their porous structure aids in electrolyte flow and supports the overall structural integrity of the system.
Titanium fiber papers find applications in several industries. In electrochemical systems, they are vital for hydrogen production in electrolyzers and oxygen reduction in fuel cells. Their porous nature also makes them suitable for filtration processes, such as particle separation and removal of contaminants from fluids. Furthermore, the aerospace industry benefits from titanium fiber papers due to their lightweight and strong characteristics, enabling sound absorption, thermal management, and reinforcement in composite materials.
Yes, titanium papers can be customized to meet specific application requirements, they are both available as sintered fiber papers or as sintered metal powder papers. They can be tailored in terms of thickness, porosity, and surface modifications (double sides) to optimize their performance for desired outcomes. Additionally, different weaving or processing techniques can be employed to enhance their mechanical properties or surface characteristics. Collaborating with manufacturers and experts can help determine the most suitable customization options based on the intended use of titanium fiber papers.
The titanium fiber felts for PTL (Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis) applications are available in several grades to accommodate various requirements. These grades include TA0, TA1, TA2, TA7, and TA9. TA0, TA1, TA2 are commercially pure titanium grades with varying levels of impurities, TA7 and TA9 are titanium alloy grades containing aluminum and vanadium, offering enhanced mechanical properties suitable for high-performance applications. Each grade offers specific properties and characteristics suited for different operating conditions and performance demands, ensuring versatility and reliability in diverse electrolysis applications.
The porosity range of titanium papers spans from 30% to 80%. This variability in porosity offers users flexibility in selecting the most suitable grade based on their specific needs and application requirements.
Untreated titanium porous transfer will not be consumed like a carbon Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) will. However, the presence of oxygen does have an impact if the electrolyzer is being operated at high pressures (1 bar to 3 bars). The untreated titanium surface will quickly form an electrically insulated oxide layer (TiO2) on the surface of the of the small-diameter fibers under high O2 pressures. This oxide coating will eventually affect the efficiency of the overall system acting as an electrical insulator and it will increase the interfacial resistance in the cell, lowering the electrochemical performance. To prevent the formation of this detrimental oxide coating, applying a gold or platinum coating is recommended. Surface platinization of titanium creates a conductive and chemically stable coating that withstands regular electrolysis conditions. This coating extends the lifetime of the titanium, making it well-suited for applications requiring both high performance and long-term reliability. By preventing the formation of TiO2, stability in the electrochemical performance of the electrolyzer or intended electrochemical device is greatly enhanced, ensuring consistent and efficient operation over its lifespan.
The titanium papers are offered in different sizes to suit different applications. The thicknesses available range from 0.25mm to 1.25mm. Additionally, our titanium fiber felts come in a variety of dimensions, with lengths and widths starting at 100x100mm and extending up to xmm. This wide selection of sizes ensures that our titanium fiber felts can be tailored to fit specific project requirements, offering flexibility and adaptability for a diverse range of applications.
Sintered stainless steel fiber felts are non-woven filter media constructed from randomly laid short stainless steel fibers. These fibers are then sintered, or fused, together to form a porous and robust filtration material. These felts have fine and consistent pore sizes, excellent resistance to high temperatures, corrosion resistance, and are highly durable. They also exhibit low electrical heat resistance, making them suitable for filtration of hot materials and electrical applications.
These felts come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 0.25mm to 1.2mm, providing versatility for different filtration applications. Stainless steel fiber felts can also be cleaned and reused, making them a cost-effective filtration solution in applications where sustainability is a concern.
They are used in a wide range of applications, including purification of polymers and polyester melt, pre-filtration in ultrafiltration processes, filtration in refining operations, and electronic dust collection for high-temperature gases. They also find use in protection filters for vacuum pumps, support for filter membranes, and in various industrial applications.
Yes, sintered stainless steel fiber felts are well-suited for applications operating under very high pressure, high temperature, and corrosive conditions due to their robust and corrosion-resistant nature. They offer finer and more consistent pore sizes compared to woven wire mesh, making them efficient in deep and sub-micron filtration. They are also highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for applications that require resistance to high temperatures
Sintered nickel fiber felts are robust filter media made from fused nickel fibers. They exhibit fine filtration capabilities, exceptional corrosion resistance, and can withstand high temperatures.
Nickel offers remarkable resistance to corrosion, making these felts ideal for challenging environments. It provides excellent heat resistance, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.
They find applications in demanding industries, including chemical processing, petrochemicals, and automotive, where their nickel-based properties excel.
These felts offer fine, consistent pore sizes and combine the excellent properties of nickel, providing a durable and heat-resistant filtration solution.
Porous metal materials, characterized by their porous structures, are innovative engineering materials that offer impressive strength while being light. These materials are used across different industries, including aerospace, metallurgy, mechanics, petrochemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals, architecture, and transportation. Their unique properties make them suitable for specialized applications, such as in life support systems, energy storage, hydrogen generation, and filtration systems.
Porous metal materials can be categorized into three types:
Metal Foams
. Metal foams are lightweight cellular structures composed of a solid base metal with gas-filled pores, inspired by natural materials like wood, bones, and sea sponges. This design gives metal foams high strength-to-weight ratios and excellent energy absorption properties, making them ideal for use in diverse industries such as aerospace and automotive applications.Sintered Metal Powder
. Sintered metal powder is a porous material produced by sintering, a process wherein the metallic powder is compressed and then heated at temperatures below its melting point. Sintering causes the particles to bond into a solid piece with small pores. Typically, sintered metal powders have a high solid volume fraction, ranging from 0.35 to 0.65; thus, this type of porous material is commonly used in applications where good mechanical strength is required.Sintered Fiber Felts
. Advancements in fiber-pullout techniques have led to the development of sintered metal fiber felt, a non-woven, porous material made of long metallic fibers typically over 1.5 µm in diameter. These fiber felts are used in structural applications, such as the core of sandwich panels, as well as in functional applications like anodic gas diffusion layers, catalyst supports, and filtration nets.Unlike metal foams, which are typically created through a foaming process that introduces gas into metallic melts, sintered metal powders and fiber felts are formed by sintering compacted powders or laminated fibers, respectively.
Sintering is the key step in the production of both sintered metal powders and sintered metal fibers. It is a manufacturing process where metal raw materials are heated to high temperatures, just below their melting point. This causes the particles to fuse together, forming a solid mass. During sintering, several changes occur in the metal powder particles, improving various properties like strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, conductivity, and magnetic permeability. These changes are vital for different applications, as they determine the material's porosity, strength, and overall performance. Therefore, sintering plays a major role in achieving the properties needed for specific uses.
Variation in Compact Properties with Degree of Sintering
Reference: Samal, Prasan K. Newkirk, Joseph W.. (). ASM Handbook, Volume 07 - Powder Metallurgy () - 34.2 Improved Mechanical Properties.(pp. 332). ASM International.
The different sintering stages show how loose metal powders transform into a solid object:
At the
initial stage of sintering
, particles start sticking together due to weak forces, like van der Waals' forces. At higher temperatures, they rearrange and pack together, sometimes rotating and twisting to achieve lower energy states in terms of their arrangement.
In the next stage, a sinter bond
This stage is followed by the intermediate stage, where neck growth occurs, leading to
densification
. During this phase, the necks lose their distinct identities, and the pores become rounded but remain interconnected. At this point, the centers of the two spheres start to get closer, resulting in shrinkage. Bulk transport mechanisms predominate, facilitating neck growth and the elimination of pores.In the final stage of sintering, interconnected open pores close and turn into isolated closed pores. As this happens, grain growth occurs, which slows down the surface and bulk diffusion processes. Consequently, this stage becomes the slowest, as densification increases from 95% to 99%.
(SD: Surface Diffusion, VD: Vacancy Diffusion, GB: Grain Boundary Diffusion)
Throughout the sintering process of fiber felts, several transformations occur, such as the development of necks between fibers, the enlargement of grains within fibers, and changes in porosity. Similar to powder sintering, sintering of fiber metal felts involves six modes of material transport. Three of these modes lead to sintering without densification: vapor transport, surface diffusion, and lattice diffusion from the surface. Conversely, the other three modes lead to densification: boundary diffusion, lattice diffusion from the grain boundary, and lattice diffusion from dislocation.
To predict the sintering conditions necessary to achieve desired properties, sintering diagrams have been developed for different powders and wires. Originally, these diagrams were based on simple models, like the two-sphere model, which worked well for powders and wires. However, fiber felts, with their complex geometry, require a different approach.
Unlike in powders, where sintering occurs between particles bonded by van der Waals forces, sintering in fiber felts takes place in the joints between adjacent fibers at random angles. During the pressing or shaping of fibers, sintering joints primarily develop at points where fibers make contact. Under pressure, fibers interlock, forming many contact areas. These contact regions can be categorized as either fiber-to-fiber contact joints or fiber-to-fiber mechanical meshing.
During sintering, material migrates in fiber-to-fiber contact joints or mechanical meshing to reduce surface energy. Initially, sintering begins on microstructures' surfaces, forming contact points between fibers, which then strengthen. This process continues across the fiber network, forming a mesh-like structure. In comparison to sintering powders, sintering metal fiber felts undergo less densification. This is because surface processes, grain growth, and neck growth mechanisms dominate over densification processes like grain boundary diffusion.
Contact Regions in Sintered Fiber Felts: Fiber-to-fiber (a) contact joints and (b) mechanical meshing
(Image Source: Tang, Y. et al. () &#;An Innovative Fabrication Process of Porous Metal Fiber Sintered Felts with Three-Dimensional Reticulated Structure&#;, Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 25(7), pp. 565&#;571.)
Compared to sintered metal powder, sintered metal fiber felts are less dense, resulting in higher porosity and permeability. Sintered metal powders typically have porosities lower than 50%, whereas sintered metal fibers can achieve porosities higher than 50%. For instance, sintered titanium fiber felts can have porosities as high as 98%, with pore sizes smaller than 10 µm. Additionally, sintered metal fiber felts exhibit a three-dimensional reticulated structure. This structure not only provides well-defined conductive paths but also offers controlled electrical conductivity-temperature characteristics. The high porosity and decreased electrical resistivity due to the rupture of joint fiber contacts after sintering make sintered metal Fiber Felt an excellent material for applications such as water electrolyzers and fuel cells.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Images of Sintered Titanium (Left) Powder and (Right) Fiber Felt
(Image Source: Omrani, Reza & Shabani, Bahman. (). Gas Diffusion Layers in Fuel Cells and Electrolysers: A Novel Semi-Empirical Model to Predict Electrical Conductivity of Sintered Metal Fibres. Energies. 12. 855.)
Titanium fiber papers represent a specialized category of materials known for their unique properties and applications in various industries. These papers are composed of titanium fibers intricately woven together to form a porous and conductive structure. With their exceptional characteristics, titanium fiber papers find utility in diverse fields, ranging from electrochemical systems to filtration and aerospace applications.
Titanium fiber papers serve as versatile components in electrochemical systems, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and solid oxide electrolyzers. They function as critical elements in these devices, playing roles as gas diffusion layers, current collectors, and support structures. Their high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance ensure efficient electron and ion transport, while the porous structure allows for effective gas diffusion, aiding in reactant distribution and facilitating electrolyte permeation.
Beyond electrochemical applications, titanium fiber papers find use in filtration processes, where their porous nature enables effective separation of particles and contaminants from fluids. They are often employed as filter media in industries such as pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment, and air purification. Additionally, titanium fiber papers have gained traction in the aerospace sector for their lightweight yet strong characteristics, making them suitable for applications such as sound absorption, thermal management, and composite reinforcement.
Titanium fiber paper is produced from titanium fibers through a laying process that involves lamination and lapping. The laminated titanium fibers are then sintered at high temperature, thereby creating a strong and porous three-dimensional fiber network. This three-dimensional structure endows titanium fiber papers with high surface area-to-volume ratio, high porosity, and high permeability. On top of these properties, titanium fiber papers are also known to be electrically conductive, workable (i.e., fiber papers can be rolled and processed), and highly resistant to corrosion and thermal stress.
Titanium fiber papers are used in a wide array of applications including aerospace, medical, military, and filtration. Recently, they have been employed as flow field and anodic distributors in fuel cell and electrolysis stacks.
At the cathode side, carbon paper is the predominantly used porous transport layer. On the other hand, at the oxygen (anode) side of fuel cells, the environment is much more corrosive because of usage of pure oxygen and application of potentials as high as 2 V. The highly oxidative environment at the anode corrodes the carbon-based LGDLs, thereby forming CO2 (Eqn. 1) and carbonate ions (Eqn. 2) in acidic and basic media, respectively. Carbon corrosion drastically reduces the the activity and stability of the anode during galvanic or electrolytic operations. For these reasons, metal-based PTLs, specifically titanium fiber papers, are used at the anode of fuel cells and water electrolyzers.
Carbon Fiber Paper
Titanium Fiber Paper
Application
Cathode PTL
Anode PTL
Advantages
High porosity and permeability
Cost-effectiveness
Good conductivity
Good compressibility
Low contact resistance
Tunable wettability
Efficient gas diffusion
High electrical conductivity
Excellent corrosion resistance
High mechanical strength
Good thermal resistance
High porosity and permeability
Efficient gas diffusion
Highly tunable surface properties
Disadvantages
Prone to corrosion at oxidative environments and high applied potentials
Brittle
Not suitable as anode PTL
Prone to hydrogen embrittlement
Not suitable as cathode PTL
Titanium-based PTLs exhibit good corrosion resistance even when subjected to highly oxidative potentials. In the Pourbaix diagram of the titanium&#;water system, we can see that titanium forms a passivation layer under the operating conditions of PEM water electrolyzers. This layer prevents the direct contact between the titanium PTL and the corrosive electrolyte, thereby reducing the likelihood of corrosion. The passivation layer also stabilizes the titanium PTL surface and reduces the concentration of surface defects, which can serve as initiation sites for corrosive reactions. By minimizing the competing side reactions, the overall performance and durability of the electrochemical device improves substantially.
As the anode GDL in fuel cells, titanium fiber papers serve as a porous media for the efficient and uniform delivery of gaseous reactants to the catalyst layer (CL). They also provide pathways that facilitate electron transport from the anode to the cathode, in which electrons are being used up during the reduction reaction. In addition to these, titanium GDLs also serve as water diffusion layers to avoid flooding and manage water build up in the anode of alkaline fuel cell stacks.