Membrane electrode assembly for PEM fuel cell
US6020083A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved membrane electrode assembly for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers (40, 44) are disposed, respectively, on both sides of the full planform proton exchange membrane (48). Gas diffusion layers (38, 50) are disposed, respectively, on sides of the catalyst layers (40, 44) not in communication with the full planform proton exchange membrane (48). Porous substrates (32, 34) are disposed, respectively, on sides of the gas diffusion layers (38, 50) not in communication with the catalyst layers (40, 44). The porous substrates (32, 34) are impregnated at their periphery with a sealant. The gas diffusion layers (38, 50) are coated with a sealant (60, 62) on respective sides thereof in regions which are in communication with sealant impregnated regions (36, 52) of the porous substrates (32, 34). The gas diffusion layers (38, 50), the porous substrates (32, 34), and the catalyst layers (40, 44) are co-extensive with the proton exchange membrane (48). The membrane electrode assembly (10) is continuously manufactured to eliminate step discontinuities and the associated strict tolerance requirements and resultant high scrap rates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.