Use of thermoplastic films to create seals and bond PEM cell components

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell assembly, comprising:

• an anode water transport plate having an anode central region and an anode peripheral region;
• a cathode water transport plate having a cathode central region and a cathode peripheral region;
• said cathode water transport plate being positioned in contact with said anode water transport plate with said anode central region being aligned with said cathode central region and said anode peripheral region being aligned with said cathode peripheral region;
• a layer of thermoplastic material residing between said anode water transport plate and said cathode water transport plate at said anode peripheral region and said cathode peripheral region;
• said layer of thermoplastic material bonding and sealing said anode water transport plate relative to said cathode water transport plate.

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell assembly, comprising:

• a substrate having a peripheral edge seal of extruded thermoplastic material;
• a water transport plate having a central region and a peripheral region;
• a layer of foam tape residing between said peripheral edge seal of said substrate and said water transport plate at said peripheral region;
• said layer of foam tape bonding and sealing said substrate relative to said water transport plate.

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell assembly, comprising:

• a substrate having a central region and a peripheral region;
• a membrane electrode assembly having a central region and a peripheral region;
• said membrane electrode assembly containing said substrate;
• and
• a layer of thermoplastic material disposed between said peripheral region of said substrate and said peripheral region of said membrane electrode assembly;
• said layer of thermoplastic material bonding and sealing said substrate and said gas diffusion layer relative to said membrane electrode assembly.