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

An improved membrane electrode assembly for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers (40, 44) are disposed, respectively, on both sides of the proton exchange membrane (48). Gas diffusion layers (38, 50) are disposed, respectively, on sides of the catalyst layers (40, 44) not in contact with the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors GRASSO; ALBERT P, RAJPOLT; MICHAEL J, KRASIJ; MYRON
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 12.12.2000
Edition7
Subjects
BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
BLASTING
CYLINDERS
ELECTRICITY
ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS
GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS
HEATING
LIGHTING
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
PISTONS
PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSIONOF CHEMICAL INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
SEALINGS
THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
WEAPONS
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Summary:An improved membrane electrode assembly for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers (40, 44) are disposed, respectively, on both sides of the proton exchange membrane (48). Gas diffusion layers (38, 50) are disposed, respectively, on sides of the catalyst layers (40, 44) not in contact with the proton exchange membrane (48). Porous substrates (32, 34) are disposed, respectively, on sides of the gas diffusion layers (38, 50) not in contact with the catalyst layers (40, 44). The porous substrates (32, 34) are impregnated at their periphery with a thermoplastic material. Thermoplastic film layers (42, 46, 68) are employed at the periphery of the assembly (10) between component parts to bond and seal water transport plates (12' and 16) to each other, as well as substrates (32, 32', 34) to the membrane electrode assembly (20). A foam tape 60, 62, 62' are employed to seal water transport plates (12, 12', 16) to respective substrates (32, 32', 34).
Bibliography:Application Number: US19980220472