Edge design for ePTFE-reinforced membranes for PEM fuel cells
US8431285B2 · kind B2 · utility
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17Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Edge designs, especially for ePTFE-reinforced membranes for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, wherein the designs provide a proton barrier at the electrode edge of the PEM fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to provide, among other things, resistance to membrane chemical degradation. A portion of the ePTFE layer is imbibed with a proton-impermeable polymer at the electrode edge. The polymer can include, without limitation, B-staged epoxides, B-staged phenolics, hot melt thermoplastics, and/or thermosets or thermoplastics cast from liquid dispersions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.