US 2003/0224233 A1 · Process for the manufacture of membrane-electrode-assemblies using catalyst-coated membranes

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.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A process for manufacturing a five-layer membrane electrode-assembly comprising an anode gas diffusion layer, a cathode gas diffusion layer and a catalyst-coated membrane, said process comprising:

a. applying an adhesive component to at least one of the components selected from the group consisting of said anode gas diffusion layer, said cathode gas diffusion layer and said catalyst-coated membrane;
and
b. laminating said anode gas diffusion layer, said cathode gas diffusion layer and said catalyst-coated membrane.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

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

Life of this patent

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

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20