flex-X-cell | FXC Engineering

Key specifications

Active area: 1–300 cm²*
Fluid streams: 1–4 streams (gas/liquid)
Stack size: 1–20 cells*
Chemical compatibility: pH 0–14, organic solvents
Temperature: up to 100 °C*
Pressure: up to 3 bar*

Specifications describe standard platform configurations. Application-specific limits depend on components, materials and operating conditions. Pressure values are gauge pressures.*Alternative configurations and extended ranges on request.

Configurable architecture

flex-X-cell is built around a standardized platform with interchangeable components. Start from an application-specific standard configuration and adapt the cell architecture, flow path, materials and internal components as your requirements evolve.

Six examples of interchangeable flex-X-cell internal components.

Standard configurations

Standard applications include PEM, AEM and alkaline electrolysis, CO₂ reduction (zero-gap or GDE), electrodialysis and electrosynthesis.

Interchangeable parts

Select flow fields, flow frames, electrode and membrane frames, materials and electrode configurations to match your process and operating conditions.

Customization

Alternative active areas, flow-field geometries, materials and coatings, plus application-specific components, are available on request.

Reliable operation

flex-X-cell combines robust sealing, precisely manufactured components and application-specific material options to support reliable operation and well-defined reaction conditions.

Close-up of the flex-X-cell seal and flow frame.

Robust sealing

O-rings and defined sealing edges concentrate the sealing force where needed. Every cell is leak-tested before delivery.

Defined compression

Rigid stainless-steel end plates and tight manufacturing tolerances support uniform compression and pressure distribution across the active area.

Demanding conditions

Different metals and polymers allow the wetted flow path to be matched to your chemical environment, temperature and operating conditions.

Scalable design

flex-X-cell supports electrochemical process development from small-scale laboratory experiments to larger active areas and stacked configurations. A consistent cell architecture and compatible materials help transfer experimental concepts between scales.

Sizes

Standard active areas are 5 cm² (S), 25 cm² (M), 100 cm² (L) and 300 cm² (XL). Smaller, larger and application-specific active areas are available on request.

Stackable

Combine up to 20 cells in standard configurations with bipolar or monopolar operation. Larger stacks are available on request.

Consistent

A consistent design approach, geometric similarity and comparable materials support the transition from laboratory experiments to larger-area and pilot-scale evaluation.

Easy to use

flex-X-cell is designed for repeated assembly, component exchange and integration into laboratory setups. The cell opens at a defined position, while major components and connectors remain in place for easier access and faster reassembly.

Quick access

Exchange electrodes and membranes without completely rebuilding the setup, reducing handling time and potential assembly errors.

Flexible integration

Different fluid and electrical connection options support integration into existing experimental setups.

Efficient material use

The sealing concept requires only a small border around the active area, helping reduce electrode and membrane material requirements.

An established platform

The flex-X-cell platform has been used for years in electrochemical research and process development across a wide range of applications. In 2026, we introduced an updated design based on experience with existing systems and feedback from users.

Previous-generation cells remain available and supported, with components and replacement parts for existing setups.

Current design

The current flex-X-cell design builds on the established platform, with refinements to sealing, handling and configurability.

Previous design

Previous-generation cells remain available. We continue to supply components and replacement parts and support customers using these systems.

Earlier generations of our electrochemical flow cells were marketed as flex-E-cell. Today, we use the flex-X-cell name consistently across our flow cell products.

Explore publications

flex-X-cell impressions

flex-X-cell M electrochemical flow cell with 25 cm² active area and stainless-steel fluid connectors — **flex-X-cell M (25 cm²):** Flow cell with stainless-steel fluid connectors. Interchangeable connector options are available in polypropylene, stainless steel, and fluoropolymer.

Front view of a flex-X-cell S electrochemical flow cell with 5 cm² active area and polypropylene fluid connectors — **flex-X-cell S (5 cm²):** Front view of the flow cell with 5 cm² active area and polypropylene fluid connectors.

flex-X-cell M with transparent viewing window showing the mesh electrode and flow compartment — **flex-X-cell M with viewing window (25 cm²):** The transparent window provides optical access to the electrode and flow compartment. The window is isolated from the electrolyte by a transparent fluoropolymer layer.

Side view of a flex-X-cell M with 4 mm banana-plug sockets on the current collectors — **Electrical connections - flex-X-cell M (25 cm²):** The current collectors shown here use 4 mm banana-plug sockets. Alternatively, a cable lug can be bolted directly to the current collector connection tab.

Open flex-X-cell M with elastomer flow frame and Ir-MMO-coated titanium expanded-metal electrode on the titanium current collector — **flex-X-cell M with integrated electrode (25 cm²):** Open cell with an elastomer flow frame and an Ir-MMO-coated titanium expanded-metal electrode spot-welded to the titanium current collector.

Open flex-X-cell M for PEM electrolysis with serpentine flow field and titanium felt PTL — **flex-X-cell M for PEM electrolysis (25 cm²):** The cell design allows quick changes of electrode, membrane, and PTLs while tubing and electrical cables can remain connected.

Open flex-X-cell L for AEM electrolysis with 100 cm² active area, nickel foam and a serpentine flow field — **flex-X-cell L for AEM electrolysis (100 cm²):** Open cell with nickel foam placed on the current collector on the left and a current collector with machined serpentine flow field on the right.

Open flex-X-cell XL with 300 cm² active area and titanium current collector with serpentine flow field — **flex-X-cell XL (300 cm²):** Open cell with 300 cm² active area and a titanium current collector with machined serpentine flow field.

Titanium current collector with machined serpentine flow field for the 25 cm² flex-X-cell M — **Titanium current collector - flex-X-cell M (25 cm²):** Titanium current collector with machined serpentine flow field.

Titanium current collector with machined serpentine flow field for the 5 cm² flex-X-cell S — **Titanium current collector - flex-X-cell S (5 cm²):** Titanium current collector with machined serpentine flow field.

Detail of a titanium current collector with an FEP-encapsulated silicone-core O-ring — **FEP-encapsulated O-ring:** Detail of a titanium current collector with a silicone-core O-ring encapsulated in FEP for increased chemical resistance. Alternative O-ring materials include EPDM, FKM, and FFKM.

Close-up of precision-machined serpentine flow channels in a glass-bead-blasted titanium current collector — **Serpentine flow field detail:** Precision-machined flow channels provide a defined geometry and flat contact surface. Glass-bead blasting removes sharp edges.

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flex-X-cell for your requirements

flex-X-cell is available in standard versions for common electrochemical applications. The modular platform can also be adapted with alternative cell architectures, materials, flow fields and internal components to meet your specific requirements.

Standard configurations

AEM electrolysis
PEM electrolysis
Alkaline electrolysis
CO₂ reduction (zero-gap, GDE)
Electrosynthesis
Electrodialysis

Customization options

Active area size and cell architecture
Materials and surface coatings
Flow-field and channel geometry
Integrated temperature-control channels
Integrated reference electrodes
End plates with viewing windows

Shop

Browse standard configurations.

Contact us

Discuss customization or technical requirements.