Abstract: The invention relates to an ion-conductive polymer membrane for a fuel cell, whereby the polymer membrane is configured from a polymer-forming hydrocarbon material and to a method for producing the same. The membrane also has a metal-containing gel which has been hydrolysed and/or condensed from a metal alkoxide starting material and which is deposited in the polymer and/or is chemically bonded to the polymer. The proportion of metal alkoxide by weight, in relation to the membrane, lies between 25% and 1%.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion-conductive polymer membrane for a fuel cell, whereby the polymer membrane is configured from a polymer-forming hydrocarbon material and to a method for producing the same. The membrane also has a metal-containing gel which has been hydrolysed and/or condensed from a metal alkoxide starting material and which is deposited in the polymer and/or is chemically bonded to the polymer. The proportion of metal alkoxide by weight, in relation to the membrane, lies between 25% and 1%.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion-conductive polymer membrane for a fuel cell, whereby the polymer membrane is configured from a polymer-forming hydrocarbon material and to a method for producing the same. The membrane also has a metal-containing gel which has been hydrolysed and/or condensed from a metal alkoxide starting material and which is deposited in the polymer and/or is chemically bonded to the polymer. The proportion of metal alkoxide by weight, in relation to the membrane, lies between 25% and 1%.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an MEA including a layer system, the layer system together with a plastic film located above and below it being punched out by a heated and shaped punching tool. The film-coated layer system, which is welded together only at the outer edges, is further processed by heating and pressing the marginal zones in a subsequent operation, the plastic film softening or melting in the marginal zone and penetrating the marginal regions. Thus, the marginal region in the periphery of the layer system is sealed in a gas-tight manner within seconds. The film inside the marginal zones which is no longer needed or not heated is removed by suction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly for a self-humidifying fuel cell. The electrodes of the MEA according to the invention consist of a catalyst layer applied on the membrane side, of a microporous electrode layer adjacent thereto and of a macroporous electrode layer disposed thereupon, the microporous electrode layer exhibiting lamellar graphite on the cathode side and, on the anode side, particles of carbon black having a rough surface and having the capacity for storing water. By reason of the structure and the morphology of the respective electrode, by reason of the interaction of the two electrodes in the MEA composite and their coordination with one another, a mass flow from the cathode to the anode develops which favours the back-diffusion of the reaction water through the electrolyte and consequently guarantees an adequate humidification of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for producing a catalytic converter includes depositing a layer of catalytically active metallic material by electrochemical deposition on a planar substrate by immersing the substrate in an electrolyte that contains the catalytically active metallic material. A high overvoltage at which a large number of seeds of the metallic material are formed on the substrate is set for a predetermined first time period between the substrate and the opposing electrode. The overvoltage is reduced for a predetermined second time period to a value at which the seeds which are deposited in the first time period grow on the substrate.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes at least one cell that contains a proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane, which separates an anode compartment and a cathode compartment. The membrane is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer that has a permanent service temperature of at least 100° C.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an MEA including a layer system, the layer system together with a plastic film located above and below it being punched out by a heated and shaped punching tool. The film-coated layer system, which is welded together only at the outer edges, is further processed by heating and pressing the marginal zones in a subsequent operation, the plastic film softening or melting in the marginal zone and penetrating the marginal regions. Thus, the marginal region in the periphery of the layer system is sealed in a gas-tight manner within seconds. The film inside the marginal zones which is no longer needed or not heated is removed by suction.

Abstract: A method for producing a catalytic converter includes depositing a layer of catalytically active metallic material by electrochemical deposition on a planar substrate by immersing the substrate in an electrolyte that contains the catalytically active metallic material. A high overvoltage at which a large number of seeds of the metallic material are formed on the substrate is set for a predetermined first time period between the substrate and the opposing electrode. The overvoltage is reduced for a predetermined second time period to a value at which the seeds which are deposited in the first time period grow on the substrate.