Process for manufacturing a catalyst-coated ionomer membrane with protective film layer

US8685200B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• UMICORE AG & CO. KG · DE

Inventors

• Ralf Zuber · Großostheim, DE
• Klaus Schaack · Obernburg, DE
• Sandra Wittpahl · Obertshausen, DE
• Alexander Kabza · Neu-Ulm, DE
• Markus Maier · Graz, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 31, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 1, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 31, 2031

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, and more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). It is directed to catalyst-coated ionomer membranes (“CCMs”) and membrane-electrode-assemblies (“MEAs”) that contain one or more protective film layers for protection, sealing and better handling purposes. The one or more protective film layers are attached to the surface of said catalyst-coated membranes in such a way that they overlap with a region of the passive non-coated ionomer area, and with a region of the active area that is coated with a catalyst layer. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for manufacture of CCMs and MEAs that contain protective film layers. The materials may be used as components for the manufacture of low temperature fuel cell stacks.