# US 2019/0245231 A1 · A method of securing a gas diffusion layer to a catalyst coated membrane

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- Number: US 2019/0245231 A1
- Document ID: US20190245231A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 16/343,358
- Filed: 2017-10-18
- Published: 2019-08-08
- Earliest claimed: 2016-10-19
- Assignees: University of Cape Town
- Applicants: University of Cape Town
- Inventors: Duarte Rui SOUSA; Nabeel HUSSAIN
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190245231A1

## CPC

- H01M 8/1004: characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA] (H01M8/12 takes precedence)
- H01M 8/0273: with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
- H01M 8/0286: Processes for forming seals
- H01M 2008/1095: {Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes}
- Y02E 60/50: Fuel cells
- H01M: PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

## Abstract

A method of securing a gas diffusion layer (GDL) to a gasketed catalyst coated membrane (CCM) is provided. The method includes positioning a double-sided adhesive film intermediate the GDL and gasket and applying pressure to the GDL and gasket to so adhere the GDL to the gasketed CCM.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of securing a gas diffusion layer to a catalyst coated membrane having a gasket surrounding an active area, which includes positioning a double-sided adhesive film intermediate the GDL and gasket and applying pressure to the GDL and gasket.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the double-sided adhesive film is pressure sensitive.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the double-sided adhesive film is frame shaped.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the double-sided adhesive film is removed from a sheet of material.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the double-sided adhesive film has a thickness of between 0.005 mm and 0.050 mm.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the double-sided adhesive film is supplied with a release liner covering the double-sided adhesive film on each side and in which each release liner is removed prior to placement of the double-sided adhesive film on the GDL and gasket respectively.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the double-sided adhesive film comprises adhesive that is carried on either side of a carrier film.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

A method as claimed in claim 1 in which a microporous layer is provided on one side of the GDL and the double-sided adhesive film is applied over the MPL.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

A method as claimed in claim 8 in which heat and pressure are applied to the GDL and the double-sided adhesive film to cause the double-sided adhesive film to be impregnated into the MPL.

### Claim 10

A membrane electrode assembly which includes a gas diffusion layer and a catalyst coated membrane having a gasket surrounding an active area of the CCM, and characterised in that the GDL is secured to the CCM by a double-sided adhesive film positioned intermediate the GDL and gasket.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

An MEA as claimed in claim 10 including an anode GDL and a cathode GDL secured on opposite sides of the CCM with the double-sided adhesive film securing each GDL to a gasket of the CCM.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

An MEA as claimed in claim 10 in which the double-sided adhesive film is provided by a carrier film having an adhesive layer on each side.

### Claim 13 (depends on 10)

An MEA as claimed in claim 10 in which the double-sided adhesive film has a thickness of between 0.005 mm and 0.050 mm.

### Claim 14 (depends on 10)

An MEA as claimed in claim 10 in which a microporous layer (MPL) is provided on one side of each GDL and wherein the adhesive film is applied to the MPL.