Process for the manufacture of membrane-electrode-assemblies using catalyst-coated membranes

US7147959B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• UMICORE AG & CO. KG · DE

Inventors

• Joachim Köhler · Ortenburg, DE
• Knut Fehl · Schlüchtern, DE
• Anita Krämer · Neuberg, DE
• Sandra Wittpahl · Obertshausen, DE
• Klaus Schaack · Obernburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 31, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 12, 2006
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane (PEM) fuel cells and describes a process for the manufacture of membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEAs) containing five layers. The five-layer MEA is assembled together by means of a lamination process involving an adhesive component. The anode gas diffusion layer, the catalyst-coated membrane and the cathode gas diffusion layer are combined together by a low temperature/low pressure lamination process. Handling of the MEAs and assembly of the products into PEMFC and DMFC stacks is simplified. Less damage and perforation of the catalyst-coated membrane occurs and thus the performance of the five-layer MEAs is significantly improved.