Patents by Inventor Ralf Zuber
Ralf Zuber has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 8685200Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, and more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). It is directed to catalyst-coated ionomer membranes (“CCMs”) and membrane-electrode-assemblies (“MEAs”) that contain one or more protective film layers for protection, sealing and better handling purposes. The one or more protective film layers are attached to the surface of said catalyst-coated membranes in such a way that they overlap with a region of the passive non-coated ionomer area, and with a region of the active area that is coated with a catalyst layer. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for manufacture of CCMs and MEAs that contain protective film layers. The materials may be used as components for the manufacture of low temperature fuel cell stacks.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Alexander Kabza, Markus Maier
-
Patent number: 8394551Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for electrochemical devices, in particular for membrane fuel cells. The membrane-electrode assembly has a semi-coextensive design and comprises an ion-conducting membrane, two catalyst layers and gas diffusion layers of differing sizes on the front side and rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, while the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane. As a result, the ion-conducting membrane has a surface which is not supported by a gas diffusion layer on the front side. The membrane-electrode assembly has, owing to the particular construction, a stable structure which can be handled readily and displays advantages in the sealing of the reactive gases from one another and also in terms of the electrical properties. In particular, the hydrogen penetration current is significantly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Sandra Wittpahl, Klaus Schaack, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Günther Vulpius, Bernd Dillmann
-
Patent number: 8361674Abstract: The invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). A multi-layer membrane-electrode-assembly (ML-MEA) comprising two electrically conductive bipolar plates and a membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) bonded together by means of an electrically insulating adhesive material is disclosed. The adhesive material, preferably a polyurethane-based system, is in direct contact with the protective film layers attached to front side and the back side of the MEA, thus contamination of the ionomer membrane and/or the electrode layers with adhesive components is avoided. Multi-layer MEAs with improved long term stability and life time are obtained. The products are used for the manufacture of low temperature PEMFC and DMFC stacks.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Knut Fehl, Peter Seipel, Sven Bornbaum
-
Patent number: 8343321Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Pia Braun, Lutz Rohland
-
Publication number: 20120012457Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: UMICORE AG & CO. KGInventors: Ralf ZUBER, Sandra WITTPAHL, Klaus SCHAACK, Holger DZIALLAS, Peter SEIPEL, Pia BRAUN, Lutz ROHLAND
-
Publication number: 20110308726Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, and more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). It is directed to catalyst-coated ionomer membranes (“CCMs”) and membrane-electrode-assemblies (“MEAs”) that contain one or more protective film layers for protection, sealing and better handling purposes. The one or more protective film layers are attached to the surface of said catalyst-coated membranes in such a way that they overlap with a region of the passive non-coated ionomer area, and with a region of the active area that is coated with a catalyst layer. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for manufacture of CCMs and MEAs that contain protective film layers. The materials may be used as components for the manufacture of low temperature fuel cell stacks.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: UMICORE AG & CO. KGInventors: Ralf ZUBER, Klaus SCHAACK, Sandra WITTPAHL, Alexander KABZA, Markus MAIER
-
Patent number: 8021796Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, and more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). It is directed to catalyst-coated ionomer membranes (“CCMs”) and membrane-electrode-assemblies (“MEAs”) that contain one or more protective film layers for protection, sealing and better handling purposes. The one or more protective film layers are attached to the surface of said catalyst-coated membranes in such a way that they overlap with a region of the passive non-coated ionomer area, and with a region of the active area that is coated with a catalyst layer. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for manufacture of CCMs and MEAs that contain protective film layers. The materials may be used as components for the manufacture of low temperature fuel cell stacks.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Alexander Kabza, Markus Maier
-
Patent number: 7993499Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Pia Braun, Lutz Rohland
-
Patent number: 7754369Abstract: An ink is disclosed for producing membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells which contains a catalyst material, an ionomer, water and an organic solvent. The ink is characterized in that the organic solvent is at least one compound from the group of linear dialcohols with a flash point higher than 100° C. and is present in the ink in a concentration between 1 and 50 wt. %, with respect to the weight of water.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Karl-Anton Starz, Ralf Zuber, Anita Krämer, Knut Fehl, Joachim Köhler, Sandra Wittpahl
-
Patent number: 7713502Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recycling fuel cell components containing fluorine-containing and precious metal-containing constituents: in this process, the fluorine-containing constituents are separated off from the precious metal-containing constituents by treatment with a medium present in the supercritical state. Preference is given to using water as supercritical medium. After the fluorine-containing constituents have been separated off, the precious metal-containing residues can be recovered in a recycling process without harmful fluorine or hydrogen fluoride emissions. The fluorine-containing constituents can likewise be recovered. The process is used in the recovery of precious metals and/or fluorine-containing constituents from membrane fuel cells, electrolysis cells, batteries, sensors and other electrochemical devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Joachim Koehler, Ralf Zuber, Matthias Binder, Volker Baenisch, Marco Lopez
-
Patent number: 7419740Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells consisting of a polymer electrolyte membrane, both faces of which are in contact with porous reaction layers and gas distributor layers. The reaction layers contain noble metal catalysts supported on carbon and a proton-conducting polymer, a so-called ionomer. At least one of the two reaction layers also contains a noble metal black.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Unicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Matthias Binder, Ralf Zuber, Markus Vogt, Gerhard Heinz
-
Publication number: 20080067061Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2004Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: UMICORE AG & CO. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Sandra Wittpahl, Klaus Schaack, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Pia Braun, Lutz Rohland
-
Publication number: 20080064771Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recycling fuel cell components containing fluorine-containing and precious metal-containing constituents: in this process, the fluorine-containing constituents are separated off from the precious metal-containing constituents by treatment with a medium present in the supercritical state. Preference is given to using water as supercritical medium. After the fluorine-containing constituents have been separated off, the precious metal-containing residues can be recovered in a recycling process without harmful fluorine or hydrogen fluoride emissions. The fluorine-containing constituents can likewise be recovered. The process is used in the recovery of precious metals and/or fluorine-containing constituents from membrane fuel cells, electrolysis cells, batteries, sensors and other electrochemical devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2005Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Joachim Koehler, Ralf Zuber, Matthias Binder, Volker Baenisch, Marco Lopez
-
Publication number: 20070231689Abstract: The invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). A multi-layer membrane-electrode-assembly (ML-MEA) comprising two electrically conductive bipolar plates and a membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) bonded together by means of an electrically insulating adhesive material is disclosed. The adhesive material, preferably a polyurethane-based system, is in direct contact with the protective film layers attached to front side and the back side of the MEA, thus contamination of the ionomer membrane and/or the electrode layers with adhesive components is avoided. Multi-layer MEAs with improved long term stability and life time are obtained. The products are used for the manufacture of low temperature PEMFC and DMFC stacks.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2005Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: UMICORE AG & CO KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Knut Fehl, Peter Seipel, Sven Bornbaum
-
Publication number: 20070215461Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for electrochemical devices, in particular for membrane fuel cells. The membrane-electrode assembly has a semi-coextensive design and comprises an ion-conducting membrane, two catalyst layers and gas diffusion layers of differing sizes on the front side and rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, while the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane. As a result, the ion-conducting membrane has a surface which is not supported by a gas diffusion layer on the front side. The membrane-electrode assembly has, owing to the particular construction, a stable structure which can be handled readily and displays advantages in the sealing of the reactive gases from one another and also in terms of the electrical properties. In particular, the hydrogen penetration current is significantly reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2004Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: Ralf Zuber, Sandra Wittpahl, Klaus Schaack, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Gunther Vulpius, Bernd Dillmann
-
Publication number: 20070202388Abstract: The invention relates to membrane electrode units (MEUs) for membrane fuel cells. The products contain different gas diffusion layers on the anode side and on the cathode side. The amount of the water repellant agent (WRA) in the anode gas diffusion layer is identical or higher than the amount of water repellant agent in the cathode gas diffusion layer and is in the range of 20 to 35% by weight (based on total weight of the gas diffusion layer). At the same time, the total pore volume V of the cathode gas diffusion layer is higher than the total pore volume of the anode gas diffusion layer (Vcathode>VAnode). The membrane electrode units as well as the PEM stacks made therewith show improved performance when operated with unhumidified operating gases (such as dry hydrogen, reformate gas, oxygen or air).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2005Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventors: Joachim Koehler, Markus Gelz, Ralf Zuber
-
Publication number: 20050014056Abstract: The invention concerns a membrane electrode unit (MEU) for electrochemical equipment, especially for membrane fuel cells. The membrane electrode unit has a “semi-coextensive” design and contains an ionically conductive membrane, two catalyst layers, and gas distributor substrates of different sizes on the front and back sides. The first gas distributor substrate has smaller surface dimensions than the ionically conductive membrane, while the second gas distributor substrate has the same area as the ionically conductive membrane. The membrane electrode unit has, because of its special design, a stable structure that can be handled well, and which exhibits advantages for sealing the reactive gases off from each other and in its electrical properties. In particular, the hydrogen penetration current is distinctly reduced. The membrane electrode unit is used in PEM fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, electrolyzers, and other electrochemical equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2003Publication date: January 20, 2005Inventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel
-
Patent number: 6803143Abstract: A gas diffusion structure for polymer electrolyte fuel cells having a sheet-like carbon substrate made hydrophobic and having two main opposing surfaces and a contact layer on one of these surfaces. The contact layer is formed of an intimate mixture of at least one hydrophobic polymer, which can be polyethylene, polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene, and finely divided carbon particles, wherein the weight percentage of the carbon particles relative to the total weight of the contact layer amounts to 40 to 90 wt. %. The gas diffusion structure is a carbon substrate made hydrophobic by at least one hydrophobic polymer and the hydrophobic polymers are restricted to two layers extending from both opposing surfaces into the carbon substrate down to a depth of from 5 to 40 &mgr;m and the hydrophobic polymers fill of from 20 to 60% of the pore volume within those layers.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Armin Bayer, Knut Fehl, Volker Bänisch, Thomas Lehmann
-
Publication number: 20040091767Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, and more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). It is directed to catalyst-coated ionomer membranes (“CCMs”) and membrane-electrode-assemblies (“MEAs”) that contain one or more protective film layers for protection, sealing and better handling purposes. The one or more protective film layers are attached to the surface of said catalyst-coated membranes in such a way that they overlap with a region of the passive non-coated ionomer area, and with a region of the active area that is coated with a catalyst layer. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for manufacture of CCMs and MEAs that contain protective film layers. The materials may be used as components for the manufacture of low temperature fuel cell stacks.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Alexander Kabza, Markus Maier
-
Patent number: 6720104Abstract: A PEM fuel cell stack including one or more fuel cells (1) arranged on top of one another, each of which contains a membrane electrode assembly (2) between two electrically conductive bipolar plates (3,4), the surfaces of which are equipped with flow channels (10) open on one side for the supply of reactive gases, whereby the membrane electrode assemblies each comprise a polymer electrolyte membrane (5), both sides of which are in contact with a reaction layer (6,7), whereby the surface area of the reaction layers is smaller than that of the polymer electrolyte membrane and a compressible, coarse-pore gas distribution layer (8,9) made from carbon fiber fabric is inserted between each reaction layer and the adjacent bipolar plates congruent to the reaction lawyers along with seals (11,12) in the area outside the surface covered by the gas distribution layers, whereby the gas distribution layers in the no-load condition display a thickness D1 and the seals a thickness D2.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: DMC2 Degussa Metals Catalysts Cerdec AGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Armin Bayer, Heike Kühnhold, Udo Stenke