Membrane electrode assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell and a method of making an improved membrane electrode assembly
US6057054A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4911
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved membrane electrode assembly ("MEA") comprises coextensive ion exchange membrane and electrode layers and a resilient fluid impermeable integral seal made by impregnating a sealing material into the porous electrode layers in the sealing regions. The integral seal preferably circumscribes the electrochemically active area of the MEA. In addition, the integral seal preferably extends laterally beyond the edge of the MEA, enveloping the peripheral region including the side edge of the MEA. The uncured sealant material is preferably a flow processable elastomer that is applied to the MEA using a vacuum injection molding process. In preferred embodiments, the seal has a plurality of spaced, parallel raised ribs with cross-ribs extending therebetween at spaced intervals. The parallel raised ribs and cross-ribs provide compartmentalized seals that provide improved protection against fluid leaks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.