Membrane electrode assembly having annealed polymer electrolyte membrane
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsSteven Joseph Hamrock, John Leonard Lewin, Shane Shanhong Mao
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided which comprises an annealed polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). Additionally, the MEA may include annealed catalyst layers annealed in contact with the annealed PEM. Additionally, methods of manufacture are provided. MEA's according to the present invention may be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a hydrogen fuel cell.
Claims15
A membrane electrode assembly comprising an annealed polymer electrolyte membrane, additionally comprising at least one annealed catalyst layer in contact with said annealed polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein said catalyst layer comprises polymer electrolyte and catalyst.
A method of making a membrane electrode assembly comprising the steps of:
- a) casting a dispersion of a first polymer electrolyte to form a membrane;
- and
- b) annealing said membrane by heating to a first annealing temperature of 120° C. or greater;
- c) subsequently applying at least one catalyst layer comprising a second polymer electrolyte and a catalyst to said polymer electrolyte membrane;
- and
- d) annealing said catalyst layer in contact with said polymer electrolyte membrane by heating to a second annealing temperature of 120° C. or greater.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.