Method of preparing membrane-electrode-gasket assemblies for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
US7056612B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A manufacturing method of Membrane-Electrode-Gasket Assemblies (MEGAs) used for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is described wherein a polymer electrolyte membrane is formed directly on a electrode. A typical PEFC is constructed by assembling membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), gaskets, and separators. According to the invented method, PEFC is fabricated by assembling separators and MEGA, into which MEA and a gasket are integrated. Compared to the conventional MEA-gasket assemblies, MEGAs are easy to handle and can be mass-produced via a manufacturing process in a series. Moreover, employing MEGAs improves PEFC performance since the membrane thickness of MEGAs is lower than that of the conventional MEA-gasket assemblies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.