US 2003/0224237 A1 · Membrane electrode assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell

Abstract

An improved membrane electrode assembly (“MEA”) for an electrochemical fuel cell comprises coextensive ion exchange membrane and electrode layers and a rigid fluid impermeable integral seal comprising a sealant material impregnated into the porous electrode layers in sealing regions of the MEA. The integral seal envelops the peripheral region including the side edge of the MEA. The integral seal can circumscribe the electrochemically active area of the MEA and can also extend laterally beyond the edge of the MEA. An integral seal can also be provided around any openings, such as manifold openings, that are formed inside or outside the MEA. The seal has sealing features formed therein, such as raised ribs. Sealing features can be formed from the rigid sealant material or from resilient sealant material applied to the surface of the integral seal.

Claims24

Dependent claims

An improved membrane electrode assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell, the membrane electrode assembly comprising:

a first porous electrode layer;
a second porous electrode layer;
an ion exchange membrane interposed between the first and second porous electrode layers wherein the first and second electrode layers and the membrane are coextensive;
a quantity of electrocatalyst disposed at the interface between the ion exchange membrane and each of the first and second porous electrode layers, thereby defining an electrochemically active area on each of the first and second electrode layers;
and
a fluid impermeable seal integral with the membrane electrode assembly, the seal comprising a rigid sealant material impregnated into the first and second porous electrode layers in sealing regions thereof and having at least one raised rib, wherein the seal envelops a peripheral region of both first and second electrodes and the ion exchange membrane.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Membrane electrode assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell

Life of this patent

Membrane electrode assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24