Product description
Porous transport layers for PEM electrolysis systems
Porous Transport Layers (PTLs) for PEM electrolysis are precision-engineered sintered metal sheets designed to optimize catalyst utilization, improve current distribution and extend electrolyser stack lifetime.
Manufactured from sintered powder metal using advanced production techniques, these PTLs provide outstanding mechanical strength combined with controlled porosity and ultra-smooth surface characteristics. The result is improved electrochemical performance without compromising structural integrity.
Function in PEM electrolysis
Porous transport layers play a critical role within PEM electrolysers by enabling efficient transport of water, gases and electrons across the electrode structure.
Key functional advantages include:
uniform water distribution across the catalyst layer
efficient oxygen removal
low interfacial contact resistance
enhanced catalyst utilization
stable operation at high current densities
The ultra-smooth surface design minimizes membrane stress and reduces the risk of mechanical damage under high differential pressures.
Material construction
PTLs are manufactured from sintered titanium powder, forming a rigid yet porous metallic structure with precisely controlled morphology.
Material characteristics include:
controlled porosity between 15% and 40%
excellent corrosion resistance in acidic PEM environments
high mechanical strength
dimensional stability under compression
uniform and smooth surface finish
The flat sheet design with reduced surface protrusion allows operation at high differential pressures without membrane extrusion or puncture risk.
Technical specifications
Porosity: 15 – 40%
Maximum standard length: 76.2 cm (30")
Maximum width: 40.1 cm (15.8")
Thickness range: 0.125 mm (0.005") to 1 mm (0.040")
Thickness tolerance: ±0.001" (0.125 mm)
Surface roughness: 10 μm to 25 μm maximum protrusion
Elastic modulus: 2,400 ksi (16.5 GPa)
Tensile strength: 5,000 psi (34.5 MPa)
Performance characteristics
Porous transport layers are optimized for high-efficiency hydrogen production in PEM electrolysers.
efficient catalyst utilization
high performance at low iridium loadings
optimized for next-generation thin membranes
stable performance at operating temperatures around 80°C
no membrane extrusion up to 30 bar differential pressure
The optimized microstructure supports iR-free performance while maintaining structural durability.
Applications
PEM water electrolysis systems
Hydrogen production stacks
Next-generation thin membrane electrolyser designs
High-pressure hydrogen systems
R&D and advanced energy system development
Configuration and customization
Porous transport layers can be customized to match specific electrolyser designs and performance requirements.
custom dimensions
optimized porosity range
surface finish adjustment
mechanical strength tuning
stack-specific integration support
Technical consultation is available to ensure optimal PTL specification for your PEM electrolysis application.