Gasketed membrane electrode assembly for electrochemical fuel cells
US5464700A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A gasketed membrane electrode assembly for electrochemical fuel cells employs gasketing material at the periphery of the ion exchange membrane, rather than the membrane itself, as a gasket. The gasketing material may be formed from an elastomeric material suitable for cold bonding or bonding by heat and pressure. A nonhydrophilic thermoplastic elastomer is the preferred gasketing material. The gasketed membrane electrode assembly provides a seal between the electrically conductive separator plates that is more effective and economical than assemblies employing the membrane itself as the gasketing material. In an alternative embodiment, a gasketed membrane assembly for use in the humidification portion of a fuel cell employs gasketing material at the periphery of a water permeable membrane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.