Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, which membrane electrode assembly comprises a membrane (2) with a catalyst layer (3) and a frame (6) arranged on the same side of the membrane (2) and a gap (5) between the catalyst layer (3) and the frame (6). To allow an easy and cost-effective way for manufacturing such a membrane assembly, the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: • - Positioning a first decal layer (10, 13), which is made of the same material as the first catalyst layer (3), on the first side of the membrane (2) in a way that the first decal layer (10, 13) overlaps the frame (6), • - positioning a second decal layer (10, 14), which is made of the same material as the second catalyst layer (4), on the second side of the membrane (2), • - pressing the first decal layer (10, 13) and the second decal layer (10, 14) against each other with the membrane (2) and the frame (6) positioned in-between.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a membrane assembly for a fuel cell, which membrane assembly includes a membrane with a catalyst layer and a frame arranged on the same side of the membrane and a gap between the catalyst layer and the frame. To allow an easy and cost-effective way for manufacturing such a membrane assembly, the manufacturing method may include the following steps: positioning a first decal layer, which is made of the same material as the first catalyst layer, on the first side of the membrane in a way that the first decal layer overlaps the frame, positioning a second decal layer, which is made of the same material as the second catalyst layer, on the second side of the membrane, pressing the first decal layer and the second decal layer against each other with the membrane and the frame positioned in-between.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a membrane assembly for a fuel cell, which membrane assembly includes a membrane with a catalyst layer and a frame arranged on the same side of the membrane and a gap between the catalyst layer and the frame. To allow an easy and cost-effective way for manufacturing such a membrane assembly, the manufacturing method may include the following steps: positioning a first decal layer, which is made of the same material as the first catalyst layer, on the first side of the membrane in a way that the first decal layer overlaps the frame, positioning a second decal layer, which is made of the same material as the second catalyst layer, on the second side of the membrane, pressing the first decal layer and the second decal layer against each other with the membrane and the frame positioned in-between.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, with a membrane, a catalyst layer (16) and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer (16) has a first side facing the membrane and a second side facing the gas diffusion layer. In the catalyst layer (16) an ionomer content increases towards the membrane. The catalyst layer (16) has a first sublayer (22) in which catalyst particles (26) are coated with a first ionomer (28). The catalyst layer (16) further has a second sublayer (24) with a second ionomer (32) which is closer to the membrane than the first sublayer (22). Pores (30) are present at least between the coated catalyst particles (26). Further, a method for preparing such a membrane electrode assembly, a fuel cell system and a vehicle with a fuel cell system.

Abstract: Improved additives can be used to prepare polymer electrolyte for membrane electrode assemblies in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Use of these improved additives can not only improve durability and performance, but can also provide a marked performance improvement during initial conditioning of the fuel cells. The additives are chemical complexes comprising certain metal and organic ligand components.

Abstract: Simplified methods for preparing a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The CCM has two reinforcing, expanded polymer sheets and the methods involve forming the electrolyte membrane from ionomer solution during assembly of the CCM. Thus, the conventional requirement to obtain, handle, and decal transfer solid polymer sheets in CCM preparation can be omitted. Further, CCM structures with improved mechanical strength can be prepared by orienting the expanded polymer sheets such that the stronger tensile strength direction of one is orthogonal to the other. Such improved CCM structures can be fabricated using the simplified methods.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the durability of membrane electrode assemblies in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells by reducing the amount of halogen ion contaminants present. Silver carbonate is dissolved in an ionomer dispersion and incorporated into an appropriate component in the fuel cell where it reacts with halogen ion present to form silver halides. The component is then exposed to a suitable light source that decomposes the halide into halogen gas which is then removed prior to final assembly of the fuel cell.

Abstract: Use of noble metal alloy catalysts, such as PtCo, as the cathode catalyst in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells can provide enhanced performance at low current densities over that obtained from the noble metal itself. Unfortunately, the performance at high current densities has been relatively poor. However, using a specific bilayer cathode construction, in which a noble metal/non-noble metal alloy layer is located adjacent the cathode gas diffusion layer and a noble metal layer is located adjacent the membrane electrolyte, can provide superior performance at all current densities.

Abstract: Simplified methods for preparing a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The CCM has two reinforcing, expanded polymer sheets and the methods involve forming the electrolyte membrane from ionomer solution during assembly of the CCM. Thus, the conventional requirement to obtain, handle, and decal transfer solid polymer sheets in CCM preparation can be omitted. Further, CCM structures with improved mechanical strength can be prepared by orienting the expanded polymer sheets such that the stronger tensile strength direction of one is orthogonal to the other. Such improved CCM structures can be fabricated using the simplified methods.

Abstract: Improved additives can be used to prepare polymer electrolyte for membrane electrode assemblies in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Use of these improved additives can not only improve durability and performance, but can also provide a marked performance improvement during initial conditioning of the fuel cells. The additives are chemical complexes comprising certain metal and organic ligand components.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, with a membrane, a catalyst layer (16) and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer (16) has a first side facing the membrane and a second side facing the gas diffusion layer. In the catalyst layer (16) an ionomer content increases towards the membrane. The catalyst layer (16) has a first sublayer (22) in which catalyst particles (26) are coated with a first ionomer (28). The catalyst layer (16) further has a second sublayer (24) with a second ionomer (32) which is closer to the membrane than the first sublayer (22). Pores (30) are present at least between the coated catalyst particles (26). Further, a method for preparing such a membrane electrode assembly, a fuel cell system and a vehicle with a fuel cell system.

Abstract: Use of noble metal alloy catalysts, such as PtCo, as the cathode catalyst in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells can provide enhanced performance at low current densities over that obtained from the noble metal itself. Unfortunately, the performance at high current densities has been relatively poor. However, using a specific bilayer cathode construction, in which a noble metal/non-noble metal alloy layer is located adjacent the cathode gas diffusion layer and a noble metal layer is located adjacent the membrane electrolyte, can provide superior performance at all current densities.

Abstract: Ion-exchange materials comprising a polymeric backbone and a plurality of pendent styrenic or fluoridated styrenic macromonomers covalently bonded thereto, wherein the plurality of pendent styrenic or fluorinated styrenic macromonomers comprise a uniform number of styrenic or fluoridated styrenic monomer repeat units, and wherein predominantly all of the styrenic or fluoridated styrenic monomer repeat units have at least one charged group. Processes for making such material, as well as products related thereto, are also disclosed. In a representative embodiment, the ion-exchange material is utilized as a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) for use in a PEM fuel cell.

Abstract: Ion-exchange materials comprising a polymeric backbone and a plurality of pendent styrenic or fluorinated styrenic macromonomers covalently bonded thereto, wherein the plurality of pendent styrenic or fluorinated styrenic macromonomers comprise a uniform number of styrenic or fluorinated styrenic monomer repeat units, and wherein predominantly all of the styrenic or fluorinated styrenic monomer repeat units have at least one charged group. Processes for making such materials, as well as products related thereto, are also disclosed. In a representative embodiment, the ion-exchange material is utilized as a proton-exchange membrane (PEM) for use in a PEM fuel cell.