Patent · US Active

Multi-layer membrane-electrode-assembly (ML-MEA) and method for its manufacture

US8361674B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by

4References

10Claims

0Family size

Assignee

UMICORE AG & CO. KG · DE

Inventors

Ralf Zuber · Großostheim, DE
Knut Fehl · Schlüchtern, DE
Peter Seipel · Alzenau, DE
Sven Bornbaum · Staufenberg, DE

Key dates

Filing date	Apr 12, 2005
Grant date	Jan 29, 2013
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Jan 10, 2028

Classification

Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
CPC primaryY10T156/10
WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). A multi-layer membrane-electrode-assembly (ML-MEA) comprising two electrically conductive bipolar plates and a membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) bonded together by means of an electrically insulating adhesive material is disclosed. The adhesive material, preferably a polyurethane-based system, is in direct contact with the protective film layers attached to front side and the back side of the MEA, thus contamination of the ionomer membrane and/or the electrode layers with adhesive components is avoided. Multi-layer MEAs with improved long term stability and life time are obtained. The products are used for the manufacture of low temperature PEMFC and DMFC stacks.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.