Membrane electrode assembly manufacturing process
AssigneeW. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
InventorsMark Edmundson, F. Colin Busby
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and compositions for making fuel cell components are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a substrate, and forming or adhering an electrode on the substrate, wherein the forming includes depositing an aqueous mixture comprising water, a water-insoluble component, a catalyst, and an ionomer. The water-insoluble component comprises a water-insoluble alcohol, a water-insoluble carboxylic acid, or a combination thereof. The use of such water-insoluble components results in a stable liquid medium with reduced reticulation upon drying, reduced dissolution of the substrate, and reduced penetration of the pores of the substrate.
Claims48
A method of making a fuel cell component, the method comprising:
- providing a substrate;
- and
- forming an electrode on the substrate, wherein the forming includes depositing an aqueous mixture comprising water, wherein the water is present in an amount greater than 35 wt. % based on a total weight of the ionomer and a liquid portion of the aqueous mixture, a water-insoluble component comprising a C5-C10 carboxylic acid, a catalyst, and an ionomer, wherein the water-insoluble component comprises a water-insoluble alcohol, water-insoluble carboxylic acid, or a combination thereof, and wherein the water-insoluble component is present in the aqueous mixture in an amount of from 1 wt. % to less than 20 wt. %.
A method of making a fuel cell component, the method comprising:
- providing a substrate;
- and
- forming an electrode on the substrate, wherein the forming includes depositing an aqueous mixture comprising water, wherein the water is present in an amount greater than 35 wt. % based on a total weight of the ionomer and a liquid portion of the aqueous mixture, a water-insoluble component comprising a water-insoluble alcohol, a catalyst, and an ionomer, wherein the water-insoluble component comprises a water-insoluble alcohol, water-insoluble carboxylic acid, or a combination thereof, and wherein the water-insoluble component is present in the aqueous mixture in an amount of from 0.5 wt. % to less than 20 wt. %.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.