WHY CENTREPIECE?
PEMFCs are expected to increase their share of the transport market over the next years, but to do so MEA manufacturing processes and technologies must become more reliable, efficient and faster to allow lower cost. Therefore, it is key to implement advanced manufacturing techniques for catalyst coated components, which will enable lower raw materials consumption, lesser cost and reduced waste by applying innovative printing and coating techniques.
Although low-volume batch processes have transitioned to roll-to-roll production lines, there is still a need for higher line speeds and yields, since the main materials are all relatively expensive (membrane, ionomer, PGM-based catalysts).
WHAT IS CENTREPIECE?
Sealing Material
Gas Diffusion Layer
Catalyst and Membrane
Gas Diffusion Layer
Sealing Material
CENTREPIECE is a European project focused on advancing the manufacturing of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which are a core component of hydrogen fuel cell systems. While PEMFCs are expected to significantly increase their share of the transport market in the coming years, current MEA manufacturing processes remain costly, material-intensive and difficult to scale.
The project addresses these challenges by developing and validating innovative coating, printing and drying technologies for Catalyst Coated Components (CCMs). CENTREPIECE builds on results from previous European projects and aims to upscale these advanced techniques to an industrially relevant level. By integrating high-speed roll-to-roll processes with in-line quality control systems, the project enables faster, more efficient and more reliable production of MEAs, while reducing raw material consumption, waste generation and scrap rates.
Membrane Electrode Assembly figure
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES
1
Develop and validate advanced digital coating and laser drying technologies for CCM manufacturing.
3
Implement and validate in-line quality control techniques, correlated with ex-situ and off-line measurements.
2
Upscale innovative manufacturing processes to TRL 6, ensuring their suitability for large-scale production.
4
Demonstrate a prototype pilot line capable of producing full-size MEAs (280 cm² active area) at industrially relevant speeds.
ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES
1
Reduce MEA manufacturing costs by lowering precious material usage and minimizing waste.
2
Increase production yield to above 90% while reducing scrap rates to below 5%.
3
Enhance the competitiveness of the European fuel cell supply chain and support future market growth.
SOCIAL OBJECTIVES
1
Support the transition towards zero-emission mobility by enabling more affordable hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
2
Contribute to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.
3
Strengthen European leadership and skills in clean hydrogen and advanced manufacturing technologies.