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WO2000010216A1 - Ensemble joint d'etancheite pour electrode membrane - Google Patents

Ensemble joint d'etancheite pour electrode membrane Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000010216A1
WO2000010216A1 PCT/US1999/018051 US9918051W WO0010216A1 WO 2000010216 A1 WO2000010216 A1 WO 2000010216A1 US 9918051 W US9918051 W US 9918051W WO 0010216 A1 WO0010216 A1 WO 0010216A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gasket
sub
membrane
electrode
polymer electrolyte
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US1999/018051
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Craig Scott Spencer
Jeffrey A. Kolde
Manuel Esayian
Greg Rusch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gore Enterprise Holdings Inc
Original Assignee
Gore Enterprise Holdings Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gore Enterprise Holdings Inc filed Critical Gore Enterprise Holdings Inc
Priority to AU53454/99A priority Critical patent/AU5345499A/en
Publication of WO2000010216A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000010216A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2300/00—Electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0017—Non-aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0065—Solid electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0082—Organic polymers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • This invention relates to membrane electrode assemblies that are useful in electronic devices such as fuel cells. More particularly, this invention relates to sealing elements (also referred to as “gaskets”) useful in connection with such membrane electrode assemblies.
  • Ion-exchange membranes also known as polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs)
  • PEMs polymer electrolyte membranes
  • the ion-exchange membrane is located in a container between two electrodes (a cathode and anode).
  • the ion-exchange membrane divides (or separates) the cell or container into two, fluid-tight compartments, each containing one electrode.
  • Chemical reactants are introduced into both compartments and either given, or stripped of, electric charge on contact with the electrode in that compartment. Charged reactant species in one compartment may migrate due to the applied electrical field, or diffuse due to a concentration gradient, through the membrane/separator from one compartment to another.
  • ionic species preferentially pass through the ion-exchange membrane while others are hindered.
  • the net result is a flow of ions from one cell compartment, through the ion-exchange membrane, to the second compartment, where they react with the ionic species generated there, and in so doing either release or accept an electric charge from the electrode.
  • the three elements anode, cathode and electrolyte
  • they are permanently bonded together to form a single unit often referred to as a membrane electrode assembly (MEA).
  • MEA membrane electrode assembly
  • the electrode may simply be used as an element to supply or receive electrical charge, or it may be combined with a catalyst to promote reaction between the various reactants or reactant ions at its surface, in which case it may be referred to as an electrocatalytic element or a catalytic electrode.
  • gas diffusion media This is commonly a micro- or macro-porous carbon paper or cloth placed adjacent to the catalyst layer or electrode to provide uniform distribution of reactants across the entire electrode.
  • the electrodes may be attached to the gas diffusion media and then hot-pressed to the membrane to form an MEA with gas diffusion media attached.
  • the hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the gas diffusion media may also be used to facilitate water management in the fuel cell.
  • the ion-exchange membrane itself performs part of the sealing function.
  • ion-exchange material for a sealing function (which does not require any ion transfer) because a larger membrane or separator area than necessary must be used.
  • the membranes used are often thick — 5 to 7 mils (125 - 180 microns).
  • use of the membrane edge as a sealing element may require contact between the membrane and current collectors in an electrolytic device (such as a fuel cell). This may result in contamination of the membrane or degradation of the current collector plates because the membrane is corrosive. A membrane compressed between current collectors may also become dehydrated when not in contact with reactants or water vapor, changing the physical characteristics of the membrane.
  • an edge of an ion-exchange membrane comes into contact with contaminants at the external surface of the cell, the contaminants may be absorbed and introduced into the cell, resulting in performance losses.
  • Thin film catalyst technology has greatly reduced the cost of PEM fuel cells, making commercialization increasingly attractive.
  • One preferred method for continuous roll type manufacture of MEAs with low catalyst loadings is to deposit catalyst layers on both sides and to the edges of the membrane. In this case, the catalyst layers extend beyond the required active electrode area (typically the portion of the electrode covered by the gas diffusion media) necessary in the cell.
  • a purpose of this invention is to enable minimum use of expensive catalytic or electrode materials as a sealing element in both continuously manufactured and discrete MEAs.
  • Recent fuel cell designs employ a combined membrane electrode assembly as central "drop-in" components between two bipolar plates. These assemblies employ expensive catalyst or electrode material such as platinum or exotic carbon fibers which should be limited to use in areas where such material is absolutely necessary. Any use of these catalyst materials in the sealing area would produce additional cost and wasted resources.
  • provisions are made for automated assembly involving sealing elements.
  • this invention relates to a gasket that is an electrically insulating, as well as sealing, element useful in such service. It is also important for gasket material to introduce no contaminants into the cell.
  • This invention provides an apparatus for an electrochemical cell comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane having a central portion, a peripheral portion and an electrode disposed over at least the central portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane and over a portion of the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane, a sub-gasket disposed over the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane such that the sub- gasket also extends over the portion of the electrode extending over the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and a gasket disposed over at least a portion of the sub-gasket.
  • the sub-gasket is typically less than 50 ⁇ m and is placed between the primary gasket and the MEA.
  • the sub-gasket is sized such that the area of gas diffusion media in contact with the catalyst layer is reduced.
  • Using a sub- gasket and reducing the area of the gas diffusion material in contact with the catalyst layer effectively moves the interface between the gas diffusion material and the gasket, inside the active area of the cell and eliminates or reduces edge failure because entry gas does not impinge directly onto the catalyst layer through a gap between the gasket and the gas diffusion layer.
  • hot spots where significantly more reaction occurs, and which can degrade the membrane over time, can be eliminated.
  • Improved bonding with gaskets in the cell is achieved by impregnating a porous gasketing material to some thickness, with an ionomer, thermoplastic, adhesive or other resin which is compatible with, and able to bond to, the ionomer contained in the MEA.
  • the resin-imbibed surface of the gasket is then contacted with the MEA either while the resin is wet, or when it is dry, typically with some combination of heat and pressure.
  • the portion of the sealing material furthest from the interface of the sealing element and the MEA may be impregnated with a different elastomer, adhesive or other conformable polymer.
  • the gasket can be a non-porous thermoplastic material melt- bonded to adjacent components, or a porous material bonded to adjacent elements with an adhesive.
  • the sub-gasket may be made from the same or different material as the gasket. Components may be sealed together by compression in the assembled cell or by a melt or pressure adhesive.
  • the gasket and sub-gasket may be strips or a frame of porous polymeric materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) or porous polypropylene, or alternatively strips or a frame of non-porous or partially porous composite materials such as Kraton® butadiene/styrene copolymer or Viton® hexafluoropropylene/vinylidene fluoride in composite with ePTFE, or materials such as polyvinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropyiene copolymer, THV (a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoroproylene and vinylidene fluoride), poly(vinyl fluoride), ethylene/tetrafiuoroethylene
  • the gasket and sub-gasket are attached to the periphery or some part of the periphery of the MEA.
  • the purpose of the gasket and sub-gasket is to form a fluid tight seal between the MEA and the gas diffusion media and the walls of the electrochemical cell in which it is installed, to minimize the quantity of the more expensive ionomer composite and electrocatalytic materials that would otherwise be used as a gasketing material, to prevent mechanical failure of the MEAs, and to provide electrical insulation between components of the electrochemical cell which must remain electrically isolated for proper operation of the cell.
  • MEGA membrane electrode gasket assembly
  • MESGA membrane electrode sub-gasket assembly
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a MESGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with a sub gasket.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional side view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 4b is a top view of the MEGA of Fig. 3a.
  • Fig. 5a is a cross-sectional side view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 5b is a top view of the MEGA of Fig. 5a.
  • Fig. 6a is a cross-sectional side view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 6b is a top view of the MEGA of Fig. 6a.
  • Fig. 7a is a cross-sectional side view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 7b is a top view of the MEGA of Fig. 7a.
  • Fig. 8a is a cross-sectional side view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 8b is a top view of the MEGA of Fig. 8a.
  • Fig. 9a is a cross-sectional side view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 9b is a top view of the MEGA of Fig. 9a.
  • Fig. 10a is a cross-sectional side view of an unassembled MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 10b is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 10c is a top view of the MEGA of Fig. 10a.
  • Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a MESGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention including a sub-gasket in which the MEA extents to the edge of the cell.
  • Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a MESGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention including a sub-gasket in which the MEA is clamped between the gaskets.
  • Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a MESGA according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention including a sub-gasket in which the MEA is clamped between the gaskets, and a spacer frame is included.
  • FIG. 1 Shown in Figure 1 is a perspective view of a MEGA according to an exemplary embodiment of this invention.
  • a gasket (1) is disposed on the periphery of a discrete MEA.
  • the MEA is made up of an electrode (3) bonded to the central area of each side of a membrane (2).
  • membrane (2) of the invention is less than 2 mils (50 microns) thick.
  • membrane (2) and the electrode (3) may be combined in various ways.
  • membrane (2) with electrode (3) bonded to one side only is known as a half-MEA.
  • Membrane (2) with electrodes (3) bonded to both sides is known as an MEA.
  • MEAs and half-MEAs may be assembled from free-standing individual component pieces.
  • Electrodes (3) may first be prepared as decals on sheets of a suitable carrier material and then transferred and bonded to membrane (2). Alternatively, electrodes (3) may be applied directly to membrane (2) by painting or spraying, for example.
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a MESGA according to an alternative embodiment of the invention incorporating both a gasket (1) and a sub-gasket (4).
  • Sub-gasket (4) is disposed on the periphery of a continuously manufactured MEA. Gasket (1) is then bonded to sub-gasket (4) such that an inside portion (4a) of sub-gasket (4) remains visible.
  • Gasket (1) or sub-gasket (4) may be attached to membrane (2) or to electrode (3), or to both, in any one of several ways.
  • Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment for a MEGA according to this invention without sub- gasket (4) in which two membranes (2) (substantially non-porous composites of ePTFE and an ion-exchange polymer, such as is taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,547,551), are each coated on one side with an electrode (3).
  • the two half- MEAs are then bonded together such that their uncoated sides are in contact, with the exception of a narrow margin on two opposing and parallel edges 2(a) of the membranes' periphery.
  • the preferred MEGA of the present invention without sub-gasket (4) has three basic components:
  • Electrode (3) is a dispersion of catalyst (or catalyst supported on an electronic conductor), fluorinated ionomer and a binder such as PTFE (in some electrodes, the ionomer may act as a binder).
  • the MEA When membranes (2) extend peripherally beyond electrode (3), the MEA is called a discrete MEA. In this case, there is an area around the periphery of electrode (3) where gasket (1) or sub-gasket (4) overlaps membrane (2) and, optionally, a portion of electrode (3) in order that ionomer in sub-gasket (4) or gasket (1) mates with ionomer in the MEA to facilitate firm bonding of these components with one other.
  • the MEA may be a continuous tape, with at least membrane (2) of the tape protruding beyond electrode (3). The protruding portion of membrane (2) may then be covered and bonded to gasket (1) or sub-gasket (4).
  • Gasket (1) and sub-gasket (4) may be combined with membranes (2), electrode (3), half-MEAs, and MEAs in many ways with respect to the shape of components and the manner in which these components are joined in the thickness dimension.
  • Gasket (1) and sub-gasket (4) are typically shaped to cover either a part or the entire periphery of membrane (2) and the periphery of electrode (3). It is possible to bond gasket (1) or sub-gasket (4) to one side of membrane (2) or of an MEA.
  • membrane (2) or an MEA may be bonded between two or more gaskets (1) (or gasket (1) - plus sub-gasket (4)) as in Figures 1 and 2, or gasket (1) may be bonded between two membranes (2) or half MEA's as in Figure 3.
  • sub-gasket (4) When sub-gasket (4) is used, it is positioned so that it covers part or all of the periphery of the MEA. For continuously produced MEAs, sub-gasket (4) is necessary to prevent possible failure in the MEA at the interface of the gas diffusion media and gasket (1). Sub-gasket (4) extents into the active cell area (that area of electrode (3) surrounded by gasket (1 ) and normally covered by a gas diffusion media) and hence under the gas diffusion media by some distance, such as several millimeters. Gasket (1) is positioned over sub-gasket
  • Gasket (1) is typically thicker than sub-gasket (4).
  • Gasket (1 ) typically frames the gas diffusion media.
  • gasket (1) is bonded to two opposing edges of a continuous sheet of membrane (2) or of an MEA.
  • the inner edges of gasket (1) i.e., those bordering or overlapping the active area of the fuel cell
  • other sides of membrane (2) may use another gasket (or other sealing means) which may or may not be connected to the sides having gaskets (1 ) attached thereto.
  • Gasket (1 ) or sub-gasket (4) may be made from chemically resistant materials that are sufficiently conformable to block the flow of fluids when used in an electrochemical cell. Elastomeric polymer materials and membranes, porous polymeric membranes, or in some cases porous polymeric membranes imbibed with some polymeric or elastomeric material may be used.
  • gasket (1 ) and sub-gasket (4) are each a porous PTFE membrane available from W. L. Gore & Associates, Newark, DE.
  • This PTFE membrane may be partially or fully imbibed with a polymeric resin and subsequently connected (typically by application of heat and pressure) to the assembly at the periphery of membrane (2) and/or electrode (3).
  • the polymeric resin may alternatively be present as a coating on the surface of gasket (1).
  • the polymeric resin preferred is an ion-exchange resin identical to or similar to the resin in membrane (2). Thus, bonding, mechanical compatibility, and chemical compatibility between gasket (1), membrane (2), and sometimes electrode (3), is promoted.
  • Other polymeric resins may also be used. Examples of such materials include fiuoropolymers, silicones, polyolefins, etc.
  • an adhesive may also be used. The purpose of the polymeric resin is to fully occlude at least part of the structure to block fluid transport and form an adhesive bond between components; i.e., provide a seal.
  • gasket (1) or sub-gasket (4) may be suitable as gasket (1) or sub-gasket (4) (which may be made of different materials).
  • polymeric structures made from PVDF, PE, PP, etc.
  • the gasket material should ideally contribute to the reinforcement of the imbibed resin and also provide an interlocking structure around which the imbibed resin can form and promote bonding.
  • a non-porous thermoplastic material can be used as the gasket material and melt-processed or coated with an adhesive to form a seal.
  • the two sheets of coated ePTFE (gaskets (1)) were placed on the MEA such that the cut-away region of the ePTFE sheet framed the catalyzed region of the MEA and such that the coated side of the sheets were placed against the uncatalyzed membrane (2) around the peripheral portion of membrane (2) as shown.
  • the assembly was heated to 140°C for three minutes in a press using
  • a sheet (6) of skived THV polymer eight mils thick was placed against an ePTFE membrane (7) 0.5 mils thick having an average pore size of 0.2 mils (THV is a terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride.)
  • the two materials were heated in a press at 200°C and 200 psi for four minutes. This caused THV sheet (6) to bond to the ePTFE membrane (7).
  • the exposed ePTFE side of the resulting structure was then brushed with a solution containing 9 wt% perfluorosulfonic acid resin in ethanol (Flemion solution from Asahi Glass).
  • the porous microstructure of the ePTFE membrane became substantially occluded with the PFSA resin, which also formed a layer (8) on ePTFE membrane (7).
  • This composite sheet was trimmed to 10" x 10".
  • a square 7" x 7" was cut from the center of the sheet.
  • This sub-assembly formed gasket (1).
  • An MEA similar to the one used in Example 1 again including a membrane (2) and two electrodes (3), was placed against gasket (1) such that the catalyzed area lined up with the cut-away area of gasket (1) and such that the PFSA side of gasket (1) was placed against the uncatalyzed membrane of the MEA.
  • the assembly was heated to 140°C for three minutes in a press using 300 psi pressure. After this treatment, gasket (1 ) adhered to the ionomer composite membrane.
  • Patent No. 5,547,551 was continuously coated with a catalyst ink, completely covering both sides of membrane (2) to form two continuous electrodes (3), according to the teaching of U.S. Patent No. 5,635,041.
  • MEA was eight inches wide and made in a continuous length. A square 8" x 8"
  • MEA was cut from this roll.
  • the MEA was placed on top of one ePTFE sheet centered over the 7" x 7" cut-out region such that the PFSA coated side of the ePTFE sheet faced the MEA.
  • the other ePTFE sheet was placed on top of the
  • MEA also centered, such that the PFSA coated side faced the MEA.
  • the assembly was hot pressed at 140°C for three minutes at 200 psi pressure.
  • the result was an MEA with an integral bonded gasket assembly in which the MEA portion was made by a continuous process.
  • a roll of PFSA/ePTFE composite membrane was produced which was 8" wide. This formed membrane (2). A strip of catalyst ink 7" wide was applied to the center of the membrane roll on both sides such that 0.5" of membrane on either side remained uncatalyzed. The catalyzed regions on each side of membrane (2) form electrodes (3), and together these components form a continuous roll of MEA. A roll of expanded PTFE sheet five mils thick and 1.5 inches wide was provided as material for the gasket (1). This roll was coated on one side with PFSA solution (Flemion solution from Asahi Glass) and was allowed to dry to form an ionomer coating (5) as in the previous examples.
  • PFSA solution Femion solution from Asahi Glass
  • the coated side was laminated to the edge of the MEA roll such that the catalyzed region lined up with the edge of the ePTFE sheet and the ePTFE sheet did not overlap the catalyzed region.
  • Another length of ePTFE was laminated to the other edge of the membrane in the same manner.
  • the ePTFE sheet was laminated to the opposite side of these edges. The result was a continuous length of membrane electrode gasket assembly in which gaskets (1) exists on two edges of the assembly only.
  • Example 5 (see Figures 8a, b): A piece of porous polypropylene 10" x 10" was impregnated with PFSA solution (Nafion from duPont) via the teaching of U.S. Patent No. 5,547,551 to form membrane (2). Two pieces of solution cast polyurethane sheet, five mils thick, were cut to 10" x 10" and a region 7" x 7" was cut out of the center of each sheet. These sheets were laminated to the composite membrane by heating in a press at 120°C for one minute under 200 psi pressure to form gasket (1). The orientation of the sheets was such that the openings of the two pieces of polyurethane lined up on either side of the membrane. The assembly was now placed on a table and a catalyst ink mixture was screen printed onto the ungasketed region in the center to form electrode (3). The same procedure was repeated on the reverse side.
  • PFSA solution Nafion from duPont
  • a roll of ePTFE/PFSA composite membrane (2) 10" wide was prepared according to the teaching of U.S. Patent No. 5,547,551.
  • An electrode (3) was formed by applying catalyst to both sides of membrane (2) in a strip 7" wide centered over membrane (2) to form a roll of MEA material.
  • a roll of ePTFE ten mils thick and 10" wide was laminated to a roll of double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive using pressure but no heat. The roll was then run through a rotary die in which 7" x 7" squares were cut from the center of the roll at regular intervals in which each square was six inches from the next square.
  • the MEA roll was continuously laminated to the ePTFE roll such that the adhesive bonded the ePTFE material to the MEA to form gasket (1).
  • Example 7 (see Figures 10a, b,c): Two rolls of 20 micron ePTFE/PFSA composite membrane (2) 8" wide were prepared according to the teaching of U.S. Patent No. 5,547,551. One side of each membrane was coated with a catalyst ink all the way to the edge to form an electrode element 8" wide according to the teaching of U.S. Patent No. 5,635,041. Two rolls of ePTFE membrane 1.5" wide and three mils thick were prepared as gaskets (1). The MEA rolls were placed on either side of the two ePTFE rolls as shown in figure 10a below. The assembly was laminated at
  • a 10" x 10" piece of MEA was cut from a continuously manufactured roll of 10" wide membrane with catalyst layer electrode making a 7" wide stripe down the center of the roll. Therefore 1.5 " of membrane was exposed on two sides of the catalyst layer, but the catalyst layers extended to the edges of the other two sides.
  • the two sheets of coated ePTFE (sub-gaskets (4)) were placed on the MEA such that a square of 6.875 x 6.875 of electrode area was exposed.
  • a piece of 10" x 10" silicon rubber 10 mils thick was cut out with a 7" x 7" square center removed.
  • the silicon rubber gasket (1) was placed on top of the ePTFE/PFSA composite such that 6.875" x 6.875" of electrode area and 0.125" border of ePTFE/PFSA composite (sub-gasket (4)) were exposed around the edges of the electrode (3).
  • the assembly was heated to 140°C for three minutes in a press using 300 psi pressure. After this treatment the ePTFE sheets adhered to the MEA and the silicon rubber gasket (1).
  • a cross section of the assembly with the MEA, ePTFE/PFSA sub-gasket and silicon rubber gasket or sealing component are shown in Figure 11.
  • Two sheets of skived THV 1 mil thick were cut to 10" x 10" using a steel rule die.
  • a 6.875" x 6.875" square was cut out of the center of each sheet using a steel rule die.
  • a spacer frame (11) of FEP 0.002" (2 mils) thick, with outside 10" x 10" and internal cut out 8" x 8" was prepared.
  • a 8" x 8" piece of MEA (also 0.002" (2 mils) thick) was cut from a continuously manufactured roll of 8" wide membrane with catalyst layer electrode making a 7" wide stripe down the center of the tape. Therefore, 0.5" of membrane was exposed on two sides of the MEA and electrode (3) extended to the edges of the other two sides.
  • FEP spacer frame (11) was disposed around the MEA.
  • the two THV sheets forming sub-gaskets (4) were placed on opposite sides of the MEA and FEP spacer frame (11) such that a square of 6.875" x 6.875" of electrode area was exposed. Further a piece of 10 x 10 " silicon rubber gasket 10 mils thick was cut out with a 7" x 7" center removed.
  • the silicon rubber frame was gasket (1) and was placed on top of the THV sub-gasket (4) such that 6.875" x 6.875" of electrode area and 0.125 " THV composite were exposed.
  • the assembly was heated to 140°C for three minutes in a press using 300 psi pressure. After this treatment, the sub-gaskets (4) adhered to the FEP frame, the MEA and the silicon rubber.
  • the assembly with the MEA , FEP, THV sub-gasket, and silicon rubber gasket or sealing component are shown in Figure 13.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à un produit d'étanchéité pour ensemble électrode membrane (MEA) amélioré, qui comporte un joint d'étanchéité et un sous-joint d'étanchéité, destinés à assurer l'étanchéité de l'ensemble (MEA) et à le protéger contre tout risque d'ébréchure. Le joint d'étanchéité est généralement constitué par une structure de support, par exemple du PTFE expansé poreux imprégné avec un ionomère. Le sous-joint d'étanchéité contient un polymère thermoplastique tel que du polytétrafluoroéthylène ou du PTFE expansé. Le sous-joint d'étanchéité est disposé sur une partie pépiphérique de la membrane électrolytique polymère, pour que ce sous-joint d'étanchéité s'étende également sur la partie de l'électrode couvrant la partie périphérique de la membrane électrolytique polymère.
PCT/US1999/018051 1998-08-10 1999-08-09 Ensemble joint d'etancheite pour electrode membrane Ceased WO2000010216A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU53454/99A AU5345499A (en) 1998-08-10 1999-08-09 A membrane electrode gasket assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13143698A 1998-08-10 1998-08-10
US09/131,436 1998-08-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000010216A1 true WO2000010216A1 (fr) 2000-02-24

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Cited By (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001061774A1 (fr) * 2000-02-17 2001-08-23 Nedstack Holding B.V. Membrane echangeuse d'ions renforcee
EP1220346A1 (fr) * 2000-12-29 2002-07-03 Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Element de base composite et son joint pour pile à combustible et procédé de fabrication de l'ensemble
EP1403949A1 (fr) * 2002-09-30 2004-03-31 Umicore AG & Co. KG Membrane ionomère à revêtement catalytique avec couche de film protecteur et assemblage membrane-électrode fabriqué à partir de celle-ci
WO2003063280A3 (fr) * 2002-01-22 2004-07-29 Du Pont Ensemble electrodes-membrane unifie et procede de preparation correspondant
WO2004057693A3 (fr) * 2002-12-20 2004-09-23 Ballard Power Systems Ensembles d'electrodes a membrane de scellement destines a des cellules electrochimiques
WO2004021489A3 (fr) * 2002-08-30 2005-01-20 Pemeas Gmbh Elements de retenue et procedes destines a faciliter la fabrication de dispositifs comprenant des materiaux en couche mince
US6861173B2 (en) 2002-10-08 2005-03-01 Sompalli Bhaskar Catalyst layer edge protection for enhanced MEA durability in PEM fuel cells
DE10358052A1 (de) * 2003-12-05 2005-06-30 Stefan Dr. Nettesheim Brennstoffzellenanordnung und Verfahren zur Herstellung
WO2004047212A3 (fr) * 2002-11-15 2005-08-04 3M Innovative Properties Co Ensemble pile a combustible unitaire
WO2005101554A1 (fr) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-27 Umicore Ag & Co. Kg Ensemble membrane-electrode multicouche et son procede de fabrication
WO2006041677A1 (fr) * 2004-10-08 2006-04-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Sous-joint reparable destine a un ensemble membrane-electrode
EP1220345A4 (fr) * 1999-09-01 2006-05-31 Nok Corp Cellule electrochimique
EP1453127A3 (fr) * 2003-01-30 2006-07-19 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Pile à combustible à électrolyte polymère, produit semi-fini en résultant et un procédé de fabrication
US20080145712A1 (en) * 2006-12-15 2008-06-19 3M Innovative Properties Company Processing methods and systems for assembling fuel cell perimeter gaskets
US7396610B2 (en) 2001-05-17 2008-07-08 Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company Substrate
EP1810360A4 (fr) * 2004-08-03 2008-12-03 Gore Enterprise Holdings Inc Ensemble de pile a combustible a film structurel
WO2008146134A1 (fr) * 2007-05-28 2008-12-04 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Pile à combustible
WO2009082584A1 (fr) * 2007-12-21 2009-07-02 3M Innovative Properties Company Fabrication d'ensembles électrodes de membrane de pile à combustible incorporant un joint de résine pouvant être réticulée, cationique et pouvant photodurcir
US7597983B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2009-10-06 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Edge stress relief in diffusion media
US7713644B2 (en) 2002-10-08 2010-05-11 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Catalyst layer edge protection for enhanced MEA durability in PEM fuel cells
US7816058B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2010-10-19 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Split architectures for MEA durability
WO2011146094A1 (fr) * 2009-12-22 2011-11-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Sous-ensembles de piles à combustible comprenant des membranes économiques avec sous-joints
WO2012017225A1 (fr) * 2010-08-03 2012-02-09 Johnson Matthey Plc Structure de membrane
US8163442B2 (en) 2005-10-14 2012-04-24 Lg Chem, Ltd. Method for manufacturing catalyst-coated membrane using mask
WO2015028135A1 (fr) * 2013-08-27 2015-03-05 Elcomax Gmbh Procédé de fabrication d'une unité membrane-électrode pourvue d'un joint d'étanchéité périphérique et unité membrane-électrode
WO2015028134A1 (fr) * 2013-08-27 2015-03-05 Elcomax Gmbh Procédé de fabrication d'une unité membrane-électrode pourvue d'un joint d'étanchéité périphérique et unité membrane-électrode
US9083012B2 (en) 2004-09-24 2015-07-14 Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Limited Membrane electrode assembly having an adhesive layer impregnating through an electrocatalyst layer and into a first gas diffusion substrate
EP1341249B1 (fr) * 2000-11-21 2018-09-26 Nok Corporation Partie constitutive pour pile a combustible
DE102020207350A1 (de) 2020-06-15 2021-12-16 Mahle International Gmbh Membranverbund für eine Befeuchtungseinrichtung
EP4067891A1 (fr) * 2021-04-01 2022-10-05 Carrier Corporation Dispositif électrochimique durable de détection de gaz

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EP1220345A4 (fr) * 1999-09-01 2006-05-31 Nok Corp Cellule electrochimique
WO2001061774A1 (fr) * 2000-02-17 2001-08-23 Nedstack Holding B.V. Membrane echangeuse d'ions renforcee
EP1341249B1 (fr) * 2000-11-21 2018-09-26 Nok Corporation Partie constitutive pour pile a combustible
EP1220346A1 (fr) * 2000-12-29 2002-07-03 Commissariat A L'energie Atomique Element de base composite et son joint pour pile à combustible et procédé de fabrication de l'ensemble
FR2819108A1 (fr) * 2000-12-29 2002-07-05 Commissariat Energie Atomique Element de base composite et son joint pour pile a combustible et procede de fabrication de l'ensemble
US7396610B2 (en) 2001-05-17 2008-07-08 Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company Substrate
WO2003063280A3 (fr) * 2002-01-22 2004-07-29 Du Pont Ensemble electrodes-membrane unifie et procede de preparation correspondant
WO2004021489A3 (fr) * 2002-08-30 2005-01-20 Pemeas Gmbh Elements de retenue et procedes destines a faciliter la fabrication de dispositifs comprenant des materiaux en couche mince
US8021796B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2011-09-20 Umicore Ag & Co. Kg Catalyst-coated ionomer membrane with protective film layer and membrane-electrode-assembly made thereof
US8685200B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2014-04-01 Umicore Ag & Co. Kg Process for manufacturing a catalyst-coated ionomer membrane with protective film layer
US20110308726A1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2011-12-22 Umicore Ag & Co. Kg A Process for manufacturing a [[C]]catalyst-coated ionomer membrane with protective film layer
JP2004134392A (ja) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-30 Umicore Ag & Co Kg 保護フィルム層を備える触媒コーティングされたイオノマー膜およびその膜から作製される膜電極アセンブリ
EP1403949A1 (fr) * 2002-09-30 2004-03-31 Umicore AG & Co. KG Membrane ionomère à revêtement catalytique avec couche de film protecteur et assemblage membrane-électrode fabriqué à partir de celle-ci
US6861173B2 (en) 2002-10-08 2005-03-01 Sompalli Bhaskar Catalyst layer edge protection for enhanced MEA durability in PEM fuel cells
US7713644B2 (en) 2002-10-08 2010-05-11 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Catalyst layer edge protection for enhanced MEA durability in PEM fuel cells
US6989214B2 (en) 2002-11-15 2006-01-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Unitized fuel cell assembly
WO2004047212A3 (fr) * 2002-11-15 2005-08-04 3M Innovative Properties Co Ensemble pile a combustible unitaire
WO2004057693A3 (fr) * 2002-12-20 2004-09-23 Ballard Power Systems Ensembles d'electrodes a membrane de scellement destines a des cellules electrochimiques
EP1453127A3 (fr) * 2003-01-30 2006-07-19 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Pile à combustible à électrolyte polymère, produit semi-fini en résultant et un procédé de fabrication
DE10358052A1 (de) * 2003-12-05 2005-06-30 Stefan Dr. Nettesheim Brennstoffzellenanordnung und Verfahren zur Herstellung
WO2005101554A1 (fr) * 2004-04-13 2005-10-27 Umicore Ag & Co. Kg Ensemble membrane-electrode multicouche et son procede de fabrication
US8361674B2 (en) 2004-04-13 2013-01-29 Umicore Ag & Co. Kg Multi-layer membrane-electrode-assembly (ML-MEA) and method for its manufacture
EP1810360A4 (fr) * 2004-08-03 2008-12-03 Gore Enterprise Holdings Inc Ensemble de pile a combustible a film structurel
US7597983B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2009-10-06 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Edge stress relief in diffusion media
US9083012B2 (en) 2004-09-24 2015-07-14 Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Limited Membrane electrode assembly having an adhesive layer impregnating through an electrocatalyst layer and into a first gas diffusion substrate
WO2006041677A1 (fr) * 2004-10-08 2006-04-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Sous-joint reparable destine a un ensemble membrane-electrode
US7816058B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2010-10-19 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Split architectures for MEA durability
US8163442B2 (en) 2005-10-14 2012-04-24 Lg Chem, Ltd. Method for manufacturing catalyst-coated membrane using mask
EP1938403B1 (fr) * 2005-10-14 2014-05-14 LG Chem, Ltd. Procédé de fabrication d une membrane revêtue d'un catalyseur au moyen d'un masque
US20080145712A1 (en) * 2006-12-15 2008-06-19 3M Innovative Properties Company Processing methods and systems for assembling fuel cell perimeter gaskets
US8288059B2 (en) * 2006-12-15 2012-10-16 3M Innovative Properties Company Processing methods and systems for assembling fuel cell perimeter gaskets
US8609296B2 (en) 2006-12-15 2013-12-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Processing methods and systems for assembling fuel cell perimeter gaskets
WO2008146134A1 (fr) * 2007-05-28 2008-12-04 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Pile à combustible
WO2009082584A1 (fr) * 2007-12-21 2009-07-02 3M Innovative Properties Company Fabrication d'ensembles électrodes de membrane de pile à combustible incorporant un joint de résine pouvant être réticulée, cationique et pouvant photodurcir
US8426078B2 (en) 2007-12-21 2013-04-23 3M Innovative Properties Company Manufacturing of fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies incorporating photocurable cationic crosslinkable resin gasket
US8921002B2 (en) 2007-12-21 2014-12-30 3M Innovative Properties Company Manufacturing of fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies incorporating photocurable cationic crosslinkable resin gasket
WO2011146094A1 (fr) * 2009-12-22 2011-11-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Sous-ensembles de piles à combustible comprenant des membranes économiques avec sous-joints
US10446868B2 (en) 2009-12-22 2019-10-15 3M Innovative Properties Company Fuel cell subassemblies incorporating subgasketed thrifted membranes
US8637205B2 (en) 2009-12-22 2014-01-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Fuel cell subassemblies incorporating subgasketed thrifted membranes
US9276284B2 (en) 2009-12-22 2016-03-01 3M Innovative Properties Company Fuel cell subassemblies incorporating subgasketed thrifted membranes
CN102687323B (zh) * 2009-12-22 2015-09-30 3M创新有限公司 采用子垫片式节约膜的燃料电池子组件
CN102687323A (zh) * 2009-12-22 2012-09-19 3M创新有限公司 采用子垫片式节约膜的燃料电池子组件
WO2012017225A1 (fr) * 2010-08-03 2012-02-09 Johnson Matthey Plc Structure de membrane
CN103119771A (zh) * 2010-08-03 2013-05-22 庄信万丰燃料电池有限公司 膜结构
CN103119771B (zh) * 2010-08-03 2016-04-20 庄信万丰燃料电池有限公司 膜结构
US9692071B2 (en) 2010-08-03 2017-06-27 Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Limited Membrane structure
EP3496194A1 (fr) * 2013-08-27 2019-06-12 Carl Freudenberg KG Procédé de fabrication d'une unité membrane-électrode pourvue d'un joint d'étanchéité périphérique et unité membrane-électrode
US10115977B2 (en) 2013-08-27 2018-10-30 Elcomax Gmbh Method for making a membrane-electrode assembly with peripheral seal, and the membrane-electrode assembly
WO2015028134A1 (fr) * 2013-08-27 2015-03-05 Elcomax Gmbh Procédé de fabrication d'une unité membrane-électrode pourvue d'un joint d'étanchéité périphérique et unité membrane-électrode
WO2015028135A1 (fr) * 2013-08-27 2015-03-05 Elcomax Gmbh Procédé de fabrication d'une unité membrane-électrode pourvue d'un joint d'étanchéité périphérique et unité membrane-électrode
DE102020207350A1 (de) 2020-06-15 2021-12-16 Mahle International Gmbh Membranverbund für eine Befeuchtungseinrichtung
CN113809363A (zh) * 2020-06-15 2021-12-17 马勒国际有限公司 用于加湿设备的膜组件
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US20220317085A1 (en) * 2021-04-01 2022-10-06 Carrier Corporation Durable electrochemical gas detection device

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