CELL FIXTURES
Built to Endure, Crafted to Perform
Our fixtures are precision machined from premium American-made metals, selected for their chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and reliability under real experimental conditions. No cut corners. No imported uncertainty. Just consistent, dependable performance—every time you clamp down a cell.
From Order to Experiment in 1 Week
Need standard configurations fast? We deliver our most requested designs in as little as one week—so you spend less time waiting and more time generating data. Each order is inspected and ready for immediate use, right out of the box.
Your Research, Your Configuration
Every fixture we make is designed for modular compatibility. Thanks to our universal end plate design, you can mix and match components to suit your evolving setup – without reinvesting in an entirely new fixture. That’s true customization without the hassle.
FUEL CELL FIXTURES
PEM & AEM
Our gas-gas fixture offers superior performance for both Proton Exchange Membrane & Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell applications, making it the ideal choice for a wide range of experimental needs.
DMFC & LIQUID/GAS
Our liquid-gas fuel cell fixture is ideal for liquid fueled cells such as Direct Methanol and Formate Fuel Cell applications. All wetted components of the liquid side are non-metallic and highly chemical resistant. Interchangeable end plates save money, convert back to PEM/AEM with one part.
RFB
Our Redox Flow Cell Test Fixture is specifically designed for use with our 857 Redox Flow Cell Test System. All non-metallic flow paths are made with non-corrosive, chemically resistant plastics only. We offer multiple assembly configurations to allow for various gap, electrode type, and thickness.
Our Fuel Cell Fixtures are designed for longevity and performance, leveraging over 40 years of Scribner experience.
- Our ultra-high purity densified POCO graphite flow fields are pyro-sealed after machining, offing a truly impenetrable part.
- Our fixtures use Swagelok® compression fittings, enabling easy connection to our test systems.
- Our current collector plates are gold plated to support low ohmic resistance across the cell.
- Our cartridge heaters offer added electrical safety while enabling high temperature operation with low start up time.
- Our interchangeable design means you can swap flow fields or end plates to support other fuel cell or electrolysis applications.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
LOAD CABLES
Included with each fuel cell fixture is a 24″ pair of #4 heavy gauge copper conductor load cables, enables low ohmic resistance connection between cell and test system.
CELL THERMOCOUPLE & HEATERS
Each cell fixture comes standard with a Type T thermocouple, prewired with a mini thermocouple connection for your test system. Our end plates have a 1/16th inch Swagelok® fitting for easy installation. Other thermocouple types are available on request.
Each cell fixture comes standard with 200W cartridge heaters installed into the end plates, which are electrically grounded for increased safety. 120V and 230V configurations are available. These heaters support cell operating temperatures up to 200°C.
GASKETS, FITTINGS, & TEMPLATES
Keep your cell leak free with our included gaskets. Each cell comes standard with Fiberglass and Teflon precut gaskets in a range of thicknesses from 0.002″ to 0.010″ and RFB cells include 0.031″ thick Viton. Replacement gasket material and other options are available on request.
All cells come with the needed fittings, alignment tubing, and o-rings for the application. Replacements are available on request.
Gasket templates for the main and sub gaskets are provided specific to each cell configuration and are made from a durable rigid plastic. This allows for the cutting of extra gaskets in the lab. Different template designs and replacement parts are available on request.
ELECTROLYZER FIXTURE
When you choose to work with us, you’re choosing a fully customizable electrochemical research solution that adapts quickly to your needs. From the moment you contact our team, you can expect a seamless experience where we bring your vision to life in just a matter of days. You’ll have the freedom to select from a variety of end plates, flow fields, materials, and sizes to create a setup that perfectly matches your experiment. If we don’t have it on the shelf, we will have it made for you – customization empowers research.
END PLATES
Blue
Blue anodized 6061-T6 aluminum with side mounted inlet and outlet fittings. Use this end plate for chemistries that are non-corrosive to aluminum like de-ionized water. The blue end plate is a cost-effective solution for PEM Electrolysis.
Red
Red anodized 6061-T6 aluminum with face mounted inlet and outlet fittings. Use this end plate for chemistries that are corrosive to aluminum like KOH. The bored through fittings provide a fully PTFE lined flow path into the flow field. The red end plate is a cost-effective solution for AEM and Liquid Alkaline Electrolysis.
Green
Green anodized 6061-T6 aluminum without fluid ports. Use this end plate for High-Pressure Electrolysis. The green end plate is also available in a variety of materials like 316SS, Titanium, and Nickel 200 for increase resistance to operating in environments with corrosive fluids.
Silver
Silver customizable material (316SS, Titanium, or Nickel 200) with side mounted inlet and outlet fittings. Use this end plate for chemistries otherwise corrosive to aluminum. It is also available with face mounted fittings. The silver end plate is a robust solution for all chemistries while being easy to connect to the test system.
FLOW FIELDS
Flow Channel Pattern
Serpentine
Serpentine flow channel is a continuous channel that winds back and forth across the cell. It provides uniform reactant distribution and effective water management, helping prevent flooding in fuel cells. It can, however, have high pressure drop due to the long path, increasing pumping power requirements. The serpentine pattern's primary mass transport mechanism is diffusion. This is our most popular pattern!
Interdigitated
Interdigitated flow channel contains alternating inlet and outlet channels which force reactant gases through the porous electrode material. It enhances reactant delivery and utilization by forcing flow through the electrode and has lower overall pressure drop due to shorter path length, but can have blockages. The interdigitated pattern's primary mass transport mechanism is convection.
Parallel
Parallel flow channel has multiple parallel channels to distribute reactants across the electrode. It has the lowest pressure drop among the designs, but it can result in non-uniform reactant distribution, leading to lower performance. It can also have less effective water management, which may cause flooding or drying of the electrode. The parallel pattern's primary mass transport mechanism is diffusion.
Custom
Have our engineers and machinists create any pattern to empower your research. We have designed Z-Parallel, Differential, Horizontal Parallel, Pocket, and other custom patterns.
Material
Graphite
Graphite is chosen for negative electrolyzer flow fields when high conductivity, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability are required. This must be balanced with the target cell voltage to avoid oxidation of the graphite. Special care should be used in handling graphite as it is a brittle material. Scribner uses an ultra-pure, densified, poco graphite that is pyro-sealed after machining creating an impenetrable part.
Platinized Titanium
Platinized Titanium is primarily used on the positive (anode) side when high conductivity and corrosion resistance, under oxidizing potentials, are required. The platinized layer is applied on the active area and flag to increase electrical conductivity of the titanium and prevent the formation of titanium oxide. Can be used on the negative (cathode) side when graphite is not suitable.
Stainless Steel
316 Stainless Steel can be used as a flow field material to simulate full scale commercial systems which typically do not use exotic materials due to cost. Stainless steel will form a passive oxide layer making it suitable for mildly corrosive environments while maintaining strength. It is not as conductive as other materials but is adequately conductive and thermally stable. This material is not suitable for highly corrosive environments as it will degrade and shorten its lifespan.
Nickel
Nickel 200 is highly corrosion resistant and the ultimate choice in Liquid Alkaline electrolysis for being the most inert material. It provides good electrical conductivity and is thermally stable across the range of electrolyzer operating temperatures. It is commercially available but higher cost than other materials.
Active Area
5 cm2
This active area is roughly 2.23 x 2.23 cm and is suitable for initial scale material and process screening. This active area shares the same cell fixture hardware as the 25cm2 active area cell for easy interchangeability.
25 cm2
This active area is 5 x 5 cm and is suitable for larger lab scale and durability testing. This active area shares the same cell fixture hardware as the 5cm2 active area cell for easy interchangeability. 25cm2 is our most popular active area!
50 cm2
This active area is roughly 7.1 x 7.1 cm and is suitable for pilot / industrial scale full diagnostic testing.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
LOAD CABLES
Included with each fuel cell fixture is a 40″ pair of #1 heavy gauge copper conductor load cables, enables low ohmic resistance connection between cell and test system.
CELL THERMOCOUPLE & HEATERS
Each cell fixture comes standard with a Type T thermocouple, prewired with a mini thermocouple connection for your test system. Our end plates have a 1/16th inch Swagelok® fitting for easy installation. Other thermocouple types are available on request.
Each cell fixture comes standard with 200W cartridge heaters installed into the end plates, which are electrically grounded for increased safety. 120V and 230V configurations are available. These heaters support cell operating temperatures up to 200°C.
GASKETS, FITTINGS, & TEMPLATES
Keep your cell leak free with our included gaskets. Each cell comes standard with Fiberglass and Teflon precut gaskets in a range of thicknesses from 0.002″ to 0.010″ and RFB cells include 0.031″ thick Viton. Replacement gasket material and other options are available on request.
All cells come with the needed fittings, alignment tubing, and o-rings for the application. Replacements are available on request.
Gasket templates for the main and sub gaskets are provided specific to each cell configuration and are made from a durable rigid plastic. This allows for the cutting of extra gaskets in the lab. Different template designs and replacement parts are available on request.
CUSTOM: EASY AS 1, 2, 3
Need something a different? We’ve got you covered.
When it comes to electrochemical research, no two experiments are the same. That’s why our cell fixture system is built on a modular, interchangeable design, giving you access to countless variations without starting from scratch.
Whether you’re working with new chemistries, changing electrode sizes, or testing under different environmental conditions, our platform adapts—fast.
- Mix and match from a growing catalog of standardized components
- Swap out end plates, gaskets, flow fields, and bodies in seconds
- Scale up or down without reinvesting in a new system
- Compatible with custom inserts, sensors, or third-party components
Here’s how it works:
1. Browse & Build
Start by exploring our online menu of components—everything from end plates and flow fields to hardware options and sealing materials. Flag the parts and configurations that fit your experimental needs. Don’t see exactly what you want? Just note it—we’ll help make it happen.
2. Connect With Us
Send your list to our engineering team via email. From there, we’ll review your selections, ask any clarifying questions, and work with you directly to finalize the design. Once everything’s dialed in, we’ll send over a confirmation and final invoice—no surprises, no delays.
3. Open & Experiment
Your custom fixture is machined, assembled, and shipped directly to your lab—ready to use out of the box. Most standard configurations ship in about a week, and custom builds are always turned around as quickly as possible.
PRECISION IN THE DETAILS
Optimize your lab testing systems with components engineered for precision, consistency, and streamlined operation. Designed to support accurate measurements and reliable results, our electrolyzer test systems enable tailored configurations and seamless integration—ensuring your testing process performs at its highest level.
857 Redox Flow Cell Test System
The 857 is an Integrated Turn-Key Test System for Redox Flow Cell Research & Development. It boasts a 20 A current range as well as a multi-range potentiostat for high accuracy. Included with the system is the powerful, user friendly FlowCell™ software for system operation & experimentation.
YOUR PARTNER IN SCIENCE
Scribner offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support the full lifecycle of your electrochemical test systems. From setup and training to maintenance, calibration, and ongoing support, we’re here to ensure your research runs smoothly and efficiently.
