The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) is the most critical component of a hydrogen fuel cell. It serves as the core site for mass transport and electrochemical reactions, directly determining the cell’s performance, lifespan, and cost. As the "heart" of the fuel cell, the MEA plays a pivotal role in advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Figure 1: Xander Hydrogen’s self-developed and produced CCM product

I. Composition of the MEA

The MEA consists of three main components: a proton exchange membrane (PEM), catalyst-coated electrodes, and gas diffusion layers (GDLs). These layers are hot-pressed into a five-in-one or seven-in-one unit under controlled temperature and pressure, which is then combined with bipolar plates to form the fuel cell stack.

1. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM):

A core component of the MEA, the PEM provides channels for rapid hydrogen ion migration during operation, enabling charge transfer between the anode and cathode and ensuring efficient electrochemical reactions.

2. Catalyst Layer Electrodes:

These layers reduce the activation energy for hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions, accelerating reaction rates and enhancing power output. Currently, platinum-based catalysts are predominantly used.

3. Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs):

With high porosity, excellent gas permeability, mechanical strength, and chemical stability, GDLs ensure uniform distribution and smooth flow of hydrogen and oxygen. GDLs supply sufficient reactants for reactions while withstanding operational stresses and corrosion, guaranteeing long-term stability.

Figure 2: Schematic diagram of MEA structure

II. MEA Manufacturing Processes

MEA production techniques include GDE-type MEA, CCM MEA, and ordered MEA. 

1. Gas Diffusion Electrode (GDE) Type MEA:

Catalysts are coated onto GDLs, and the electrodes are bonded to the PEM via hot pressing. This simple method results in limited catalyst-PEM contact area, leading to suboptimal performance.

2. Catalyst-Coated Membrane (CCM) MEA:

Catalysts are directly coated onto both sides of the PEM using roll-to-roll coating, screen printing, or spraying. This method significantly improves catalyst utilization and durability, making it the mainstream approach in fuel cell manufacturing.

3. Ordered MEA:

Researchers are developing ordered nanostructures for Pt catalyst deposition to create robust, complete catalyst layers. This approach enhances performance while reducing Pt loading to ~0.1 mg/cm². Currently, ordered MEAs remain in the R&D phase.

III. Breakthroughs in Domestic Innovation

Xander Hydrogen, leveraging the "Qingdao Key Laboratory of Hydrogen Energy Catalyst and Membrane Electrode Research," has developed a proprietary roll-to-roll double-sided direct coating technology for membrane electrode fabrication. This innovation optimizes the MEA’s three-phase interface structure, enhances catalyst utilization efficiency, and elevates the performance of its CCM MEAs to a domestically leading level.

Figure 3: Xander Hydrogen’s automated CCM production line

Xander Hydrogen has developed proprietary air-cooled CCM products using advanced catalyst slurry dispersion technology for rapid distribution, low material loss, and uniform dispersion. Combined with roll-to-roll double-sided slot-die coating, the process supports intermittent or "zebra" coating patterns.  

To meet the demand for high power, low cost, and high power density in air-cooled hydrogen fuel cells for low-altitude aircraft under extreme conditions—such as frigid environments, heavy loads, and prolonged operation—Xander Hydrogen has developed high-performance self-humidifying air-cooled hydrogen fuel cell CCMs/MEAs tailored for these applications. This innovation overcomes critical bottlenecks including PEM degradation/aging and poor anti-reverse polarity performance.  

Mass-produced CCMs excel in performance, longevity, and batch consistency, which demonstrates groundbreaking advancements in process innovation and industrial-scale application.  

Figure 4: Xander Hydrogen’s self-developed air-cooled CCM/MEA product