Membrane with internal passages to permit fluid flow and an electrochemical cell containing the same
AssigneeLynntech, Inc.
InventorsAlan J. Cisar, Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin, G. Duncan Hitchens, Oliver J. Murphy
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Abstract
The invention provides an improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface, an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane for purposes of hydration.
Claims33
A membrane for conducting ions between an anode and a cathode in electrochemical devices comprising:
- (a) a sheet of ion exchange material that is electronically insulating having top and bottom surfaces;
- and
- (b) an open, substantially unobstructed passage extending through the sheet in a plane that is substantially parallel to the sheet surfaces for the delivery of fluid to hydrate the ion exchange material.
A membrane and electrode assembly for use in electrochemical equipment comprising:
- an anode having a catalyst layer;
- a cathode having a catalyst layer;
- an electronically insulating membrane consisting essentially of ion exchange material having first and second side surfaces and an open, substantially unobstructed passage, wherein the first side surface is bonded to the anode catalyst layer and the second side surface is bonded to the cathode catalyst layer.
An electrochemical cell comprising:
- an anode;
- a cathode;
- and
- a membrane disposed in contact between the anode and cathode, the membrane consisting essentially of an ion exchange material having at least one open, substantially unobstructed passage formed within the ion exchange material.
A membrane comprising a sheet having top and bottom surfaces and at least one open substantially unobstructed passage formed within the sheet for the delivery of fluid to the membrane, the passage being substantially parallel to the sheet surfaces and having an inlet and an outlet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.