Method of producing membrane electrode assemblies for use in proton exchange membrane and direct methanol fuel cells
AssigneeCabot Corporation
InventorsMark J. Hampden-Smith, Toivo T. Kodas, Paolina Atanassova, Rimple Bhatia, Ross A. Miesem, Paul Napolitano, Gordon L. Rice
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Abstract
Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.
Claims48
A method for the fabrication of a catalyst layer, comprising the steps of:
- a) depositing an ink composition onto a substrate, said ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle, a particulate support phase and a molecular precursor to an active species phase;
- and
- b) heating said ink composition to a temperature of not greater than about 200° to convert said molecular precursor to an active species phase dispersed on said support phase and form a catalyst layer.
A method for the fabrication of an electrocatalyst layer, comprising the steps of:
- a) depositing an ink precursor composition onto a substrate, said ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle, particulate carbon and a molecular precursor to an active species phase;
- and
- b) reacting said precursor composition with a reducing agent to convert said active species phase precursor to an active species phase and form an electrocatalyst layer.
A method for the fabrication of an electrocatalyst layer, comprising the steps of:
- a) depositing an ink composition onto a substrate, said ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle, particulate carbon and a molecular precursor to an active species phase;
- and
- b) reacting said ink composition with a form of radiation to convert said active species phase precursor to an active species phase and form an electrocatalyst layer.
A method for the fabrication of a catalyst layer, comprising the steps of:
- a) depositing an ink composition onto a substrate, said ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle, a first particulate material and a second particulate material comprising nanoparticles;
- and
- b) converting said ink composition into an catalyst layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.