Carbon fiber electrode substrate for electrochemical cells

US7144476B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SGL Carbon AG · DE

Inventors

• Peter Wilde · Meitingen, DE
• Michael Maendle · Gersthofen, DE
• Heiko Leinfelder · Nördlingen, DE
• Josef Steinhart · Gräfenberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 3, 2003
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2006
• Expiry date: Nov 5, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/30
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

This invention relates to electrode substrates for electrochemical cells, particularly low-temperature fuel cells, and processes for their production. Low-cost carbon fiber paper structures are used as precursor for preparation of an all-carbon product that has a high electric conductivity and porosity and can be processed in a continuous reel-to-reel mode. These paper materials are further impregnated and processed to adjust the final product properties. This all-carbon electrode substrate is not brittle thereby avoiding the main disadvantage of the prior art.