Fuel cell membrane electrode and seal assembly
US5176966A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fully supported membrane assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell is provided. A first and second layer of porous electrically conductive sheet material, such as carbon filter paper, has a solid polymer ion exchange membrane interposed therebetween. The layers of sheet material cover and support the membrane over substantially its entire surface area. The layers of sheet material are coated with a catalyst to tender them electrochemically active. The layers of sheet material and the membrane are bonded together to form a consolidated assembly. Openings are formed in the layers of sheet material and the membrane to accommodate the passage of fluids through the assembly. Seals are formed by impregnating the layers of sheet material with a sealant material which generally circumscribes the fluid passage openings and the electrochemically active portion of the assembly. Alternatively, grooves are formed in the surfaces of the electrodes facing away from the membrane, and sealant material is deposited into the grooves. The grooves generally circumscribe the fluid passage openings and the electrochemically active portion of the assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.