Method for producing an electrode-membrane-frame assembly

A method for producing an electrode-membrane-frame assembly by forming a frame around a circumferential region of an electrode-membrane-frame assembly principal part, the principal part having a first catalyst layer arranged on one of surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane;

• a first gas diffusion layer arranged on a surface of the first catalyst layer and inside the circumferential region of the electrolyte membrane;
• a second catalyst layer arranged on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane;
• and a second gas diffusion layer arranged on a surface of the second catalyst layer and inside the circumferential region of the electrolyte membrane so as to make a position of an outer circumference of the second gas diffusion layer different from that of an outer circumference of the first gas diffusion layer,
• the method comprising:
• arranging the circumferential region of the principal part on a flat region, in a state that a portion of the flat region located in a frame inner-circumference portion of a frame-form primary molded body which is fitted into a first molding die and constitutes a portion of the frame, the flat region being in parallel to a plane direction of the electrolyte membrane, and an outer circumferential portion of either the first gas diffusion layer or the second gas diffusion layer, the outer circumferential portion being positioned outside a region of the first and second gas diffusion layers wherein the two layers are opposed to each other to interpose the electrolyte membrane therebetween, are opposed to each other in a thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane so as to interpose the electrolyte membrane therebetween;
• clamping a second molding die to the first molding die into which the primary molded body wherein the principal part is arranged is fitted;
• and
• causing a thermoplastic resin to flow into between the first molding die together with the primary molded body and the second molding die to mold a secondary molded body constituting an other portion of the frame, thereby forming the frame.