With Gas Diffusion Electrode Patents (Class 429/480)
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Patent number: 8470955Abstract: The present invention relates to a poly(arylene ether) copolymer having a cation exchange group, a method for manufacturing the same, and use thereof. The poly(arylene ether) copolymer having the cation exchange group according to the present invention has excellent physical characteristics, ion exchanging capacity, metal ion adsorption capacity and a processability, and thus can be molded in various shapes and can be extensively applied to various fields such as recovering of organic metal, air purification, catalysts, water treatment, medical fields and separating of proteins.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Inchul Hwang, Nak Hyun Kwon, Young Taek Kim, Dong Il Kim, Ju Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20130157165Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly (5) and separators (6A and 6B). Each of the electrodes (4A and 4B) includes a catalyst layer (2A, 2B) and a gas diffusion layer (3A, 3B). One main surface of the catalyst layer contacts the polymer electrolyte membrane (1). The separator (6A) includes a peripheral portion (16A) and a portion (26A) other than the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion (16A) of the separator (6A) is formed in an annular shape when viewed from a thickness direction of the separator (6A) and is a region including a portion located on an inner side of the outer periphery of the separator (6A). The separator (6A) is configured such that a porosity of the peripheral portion (16A) is higher than that of the portion (26A) other than the peripheral portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Shinsuke Takeguchi
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Publication number: 20130157164Abstract: A close attachment region is provided on the outer side relative to an outer edge portion of a gas diffusion layer and on the inner side relative to the inner edge portion of a gasket as seen from the thickness direction of a polymer electrolyte membrane, such that separators and a frame member are closely attached to each other. Thus, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost and a reduction in the power generation performance, which is attributed to the impurity eluted from the gasket and flowing toward the gas diffusion layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Masaki Yamauchi, Yasushi Sugawara, Shinsuke Takeguchi, Yoichiro Tsuji, Hiroki Kusakabe, Takashi Morimoto
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Publication number: 20130157163Abstract: In a carbon black (CB)/PTFE composite porous sheet that can be used as a gas diffusion layer in an electrochemical device in applications involving electro chemical reaction such as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, electrolysis, gas sensor and the like, wrinkle or breakage may be produced due to its flexibility. A method is provided which makes it possible to easily handle this sheet that is difficult to handle, without giving rise to wrinkle or breakage. The present invention relates to a method for laminating the composite sheet on MEA, comprising the steps of: providing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA); providing a composite sheet comprising functional powder and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); providing a release film; superimposing the composite sheet on the release film and pressing them at normal temperature; superimposing the composite sheet having the release film pressed at normal temperature thereto on MEA and hot-pressing them; and separating the release film from the composite sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: W. L. Gore & Associates, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takafum Nanba, Naoki Ohashi
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Publication number: 20130143143Abstract: A printed fuel cell having integrated gas channels, and having an anode layer, where a first gas diffusion electrode layer is periodically fixed to the anode layer, wherein the periodically fixed first gas diffusion electrode layer defines hydrogen flow field channels. A first catalyst material is coated or infused to the first gas diffusion electrode layer. An electrolyte membrane covers portions of the anode layer and first gas diffusion electrode layer with the first catalyst material. A second catalyst material is coated or infused to the electrolyte membrane. A second gas diffusion electrode layer is in operative association with the electrolyte membrane and second catalyst material, on a surface of the electrolyte membrane different from a surface of the electrolyte membrane which is in contact with the first gas diffusion electrode layer, and a perforated cathode is in contact with the second gas diffusion electrode layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventor: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
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Publication number: 20130136953Abstract: Fuel cell devices are provided having improved shrinkage properties between the active and non-active structures by modifying the material composition of the non-active structure, having a non-conductive, insulating barrier layer between the active structure and surface conductors that extend over the inactive surrounding support structure, having the width of one or both electrodes progressively change along the length, or having a porous ceramic layer between the anode and fuel passage and between the cathode and air passage. Another fuel cell device is provided having an internal multilayer active structure with electrodes alternating in polarity from top to bottom and external conductors on the top and/or bottom surface with sympathetic polarity to the respective top and bottom electrodes. A fuel cell system is provided with a fuel cell device having an enlarged attachment surface at one or both ends, which resides outside the system's heat source, insulated therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
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Patent number: 8440357Abstract: Systems that facilitate operating proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells are provided. The systems employ a fuel supply component that supplies fuel to the proton exchange membrane fuel cell; and a regeneration component that provides a reducing agent comprising a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, or a reducing plasma to a cathode catalyst of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell to reduce the cathode catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Spansion LLCInventors: Tim Z. Hossain, Daniel E. Posey
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Patent number: 8440363Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode for a fuel cell containing a catalyst layer, a gas diffusion layer including a conductive substrate, and a micro-porous layer interposed between the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer and including a conductive material and a dispersant.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jan-Dee Kim, Yeong-Chan Eun, Seong-Jin An, Sung-Yong Cho, Ho-Jin Kweon
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Patent number: 8435695Abstract: The present invention provides a gas diffusion electrode in which flooding therein is suppressed. The gas diffusion electrode includes: a membrane formed of conductive fibers; a layer formed of conductive fine particles existing while coming into contact with one of surfaces of the membrane; and a catalyst, in which the membrane formed of the conductive fibers includes a region carrying the catalyst and a region free from carrying the catalyst, the region carrying the catalyst including a surface of the membrane formed of the conductive fibers on an opposite side of a surface of the membrane formed of the conductive fibers, which is brought into contact with the layer formed of the conductive fine particles. The catalyst can be formed by a reactive sputtering method.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhiro Yamada
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Publication number: 20130108942Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly with protective film includes a MEA and protective films. The MEA includes a cathode, an anode, and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the cathode and the anode. The protective films are joined on the outer end of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The membrane electrode assembly has a power generation area and an edge-vicinity area. Recesses for receiving the edge-vicinity area including outer ends of the cathode and the anode are formed in outer portions of a cathode-side separator and an anode-side separator which contact the MEA.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20130101917Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: a sealing structure (9) including a substantially rectangular ring-shaped first gasket portion (9a) and a substantially rectangular ring-shaped second gasket portion (9b), the first gasket portion (9a) being positioned outward of a peripheral portion of a first gas diffusion layer (5) and between a first separator (7) and a first catalyst layer (2) positioned at a peripheral portion of a polymer electrolyte membrane 1, the second gasket portion (9b) being positioned outward of the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and between the first separator (7) and a second separator (8); and at least the first catalyst layer (2), a second catalyst layer (3), and a swellable resin portion (II) formed of a swellable resin whose volume expands when water is added thereto, the swellable resin portion (11) being positioned between the first gasket portion (9a) and the first catalyst layer (2) positioned at the peripheral portion of the polymer electrolyte memType: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takeou Okanishi, Masaki Yamauchi, Yasushi Sugawara, Yoichiro Tsuji
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Publication number: 20130101916Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first separator, and a second separator. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a resin frame member. The membrane electrode assembly includes a power generation section and a stepped section. The power generation section is located in an interior space of the resin frame member. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode in the power generation section. The stepped section is located on an outer side of the first electrode. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided between the second electrode and the resin frame member in the stepped section. A magnitude of an interference in the stepped section is set to be smaller than a magnitude of an interference in the power generation section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20130101906Abstract: A process for producing a gas diffusion electrode comprising the steps of: casting a porous electrically conductive web with a suspension of particles of an electrically conductive material in a solution of a first binder to provide a first layer which is an electrochemically active layer (AL); casting a suspension of particles of a hydrophobic material in a solution of a second binder on said first layer to provide a second layer; and subjecting said first and second layer to phase inversion thereby realising porosity in both said first layer and said second layer, wherein said subjection of said second layer to phase inversion thereby realises a water repellent layer; a gas diffusion electrode obtained therewith; the use of a gas diffusion electrode in an membrane electrode assembly; a membrane electrode assembly comprising the gas diffusion electrode; and a method of producing a membrane electrode assembly is realised, said membrane electrode assembly comprising a membrane sandwiched between two electrodesType: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: VITO NVInventors: Yolanda Alvarez Gallego, Philippe Vermeiren, Andre-Viktor Claes, Walter Adriansens
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Publication number: 20130101914Abstract: An anode separator of a fuel cell forms: a plurality of gas flow channels arranged in parallel to let a fuel gas flow to an MEA; a supply passage configured to supply the plurality of gas flow channels with the fuel gas; and a recovery passage configured to recover the fuel gas from the plurality of gas flow channels. The plurality of gas flow channels include: a gas flow channel connects the supply passage and the recovery passage; and a gas flow channel having the supply passage side blocked.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Naohiro Takeshita, Hitoshi Hamada, Masayuki Ito, Atsushi Ida, Haruyuki Aono, Norishige Konno, Takashi Kajiwara, Tomoyuki Takamura
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Patent number: 8420274Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, includes: an electrolyte membrane, and cathode and anode that are respectively disposed on opposing surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, wherein the anode comprises an anode catalyst layer, an anode micro-porous layer and an anode diffusion support that are sequentially disposed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane, wherein the thickness ratio of the anode catalyst layer to the anode micro-porous layer is in a range of 1:0.82 to 1:3.28, and the thickness ratio of the anode catalyst layer to the anode diffusion support is in a range of 1:5 to 1:7.05.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoonhoi Lee, Daejong Yoo, Chanho Pak
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Patent number: 8420767Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyarylene-based polymer, a preparation method for the same, and a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell using the polymer. The polyarylene-based polymer, which is designed to have long side chains of a hydrophilic moiety and dense sulfonic acid groups, may improve the formation of ion channels when fabricating a polymer membrane and also ensures good chemical stability of the hydrophilic moiety and good dimensional stability against water. Further, the preparation method of the present invention simplifies production of the polymer, and polymer electrolyte membranes using the polymer exhibits improved properties as a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, such as high proton conductivity, even under an atmosphere of low water uptake, and good dimensional stability against a long-term exposure to water.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Inchul Hwang, Nak Hyun Kwon, Young Taek Kim, Dong Il Kim, Ju Ho Lee, Jang-Bae Son
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Publication number: 20130089806Abstract: Provided is a gas decomposition component that employs an electrochemical reaction and can have high treatment performance, in particular, an ammonia decomposition component. The gas decomposition component includes a MEA 7 including a solid electrolyte 1 and an anode 2 and a cathode 5 that are disposed so as to sandwich the solid electrolyte; Celmets 11s electrically connected to the anode 2; a heater 41 that heats the MEA; and an inlet 17 through which a gaseous fluid containing a gas is introduced into the MEA, an outlet 19 through which the gaseous fluid having passed through the MEA is discharged, and a passage P extending between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the Celmets 11s are discontinuously disposed along the passage P and, with respect to a middle position 15 of the passage, the length of the Celmets disposed is larger on the side of the outlet than on the side of the inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Tomoyuki Awazu, Toshio Ueda, Toshiyuki Kuramoto
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Publication number: 20130089805Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) includes an ion exchange membrane having a polymer, and a first porous layer on its cathode side including a first material different from the polymer having at least one electroactive species providing a reduction potential between 0V and 1V vs. a standard hydrogen electrode at 25° C. adsorbed thereto. A cathode catalyst is on the first porous layer, and an anode catalyst is on the anode side of the ion exchange membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: University of Central Florida Research Foundation,
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Patent number: 8415012Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer and a method of making the same. The catalyst layer can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on buckypaper. The catalyst layer can have 1% or less binder prior to attachment to the membrane electrode assembly. The catalyst layer can include (a) single-wall nanotubes, small diameter multi-wall nanotubes, or both, and (b) large diameter multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or both. The ratio of (a) to (b) can range from 1:2 to 1:20. The catalyst layer can produce a surface area utilization efficiency of at least 60% and the platinum utilization efficiency can be 0.50 gPt/kW or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Jian-ping Zheng, Zhiyong Liang, Ben Wang, Chun Zhang, Wei Zhu
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Publication number: 20130084514Abstract: Provided are a gas decomposition component in which an electrochemical reaction is used to reduce the running cost and high treatment performance can be achieved; and a method for producing the gas decomposition component. The gas decomposition component includes a cylindrical MEA 7 including an anode 2 on an inner-surface side, a cathode 5 on an outer-surface side, and a solid electrolyte 1 sandwiched between the anode and the cathode; a porous metal body 11s that is inserted on the inner-surface side of the cylindrical MEA and is in contact with the first electrode; and a central conductive rod 11k inserted so as to serve as an electrically conductive shaft of the porous metal body 11s.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Tomoyuki Awazu, Toshio Ueda, Toshiyuki Kuramoto
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Patent number: 8409764Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell system. A hot zone chamber has a wall thickness T and a heat source coupled thereto. An elongate fuel cell device is positioned with a first lengthwise portion within the hot zone chamber, a second lengthwise portion outside the hot zone chamber, and a third lengthwise portion of length T within the chamber wall. The third portion has a maximum dimension L in a plane transverse to the length where T?½L.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
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Patent number: 8404401Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell comprising one or more cells (102) stacked therein, each of the cells (102) including: an MEA (4) having a polymer electrolyte membrane (7) and a pair of gas diffusion layers (5) sandwiching the polymer electrolyte membrane (7) except a peripheral region of the polymer electrolyte membrane (7); and a pair of self-sealing separators (1) disposed so as to sandwich the MEA (4), each of the self-sealing separators (1) being formed in a plate-like shape as a whole and composed of a separating part (41) having electrical conductivity and a sealing part (40) having more elasticity than the separating part (41), at least the separating part (41) being in contact with an associated one of the gas diffusion layers (5), the sealing part (40) being in contact with the peripheral region of the polymer electrolyte membrane (7) so as to enclose the associated one of the gas diffusion layers (5), wherein each self-sealing separator (1) has a lower area (11) for accommodating a raised porType: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Soichi Shibata, Hiroki Kusakabe, Kazuhito Hatoh
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Publication number: 20130071769Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell provided with a membrane electrode structure having a frame, two separators that sandwich the membrane electrode structure therebetween, and gas seals between the end portion of the frame and the end portions of respective separators, and diffuser sections for distributing a reacting gas to between the frame and respective separators. In the diffuser section on the cathode side, the frame is provided with a protruding section in contact with the separator, and in the diffuser section on the anode side, the frame and the separator are disposed by being spaced apart from each other, thereby excellently maintaining contact surface pressure between the membrane electrode structure and the separators, and preventing contact resistance from being increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Keigo Ikezoe, Mitsutaka Abe, Takanori Oku, Yasuhiro Numao
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Publication number: 20130071768Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane; a catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane; a gas diffusion layer attached to the catalyst layer; and an adhesive layer between the electrolyte membrane and the gas diffusion layer around an outer edge of the catalyst layer, and a fuel cell stack including a plurality of unit cells, each including one of the membrane electrode assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventors: Kah-Young Song, Sung-Yong Cho, Hee-Tak Kim, Tae-Yoon Kim, Myoung-Ki Min, Jun-Young Kim
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Patent number: 8399150Abstract: An integrated fuel cell assembly is described. The integrated fuel cell assembly includes a polymer membrane; an anode electrode and a cathode electrode on opposite sides of the polymer membrane; a pair of gas diffusion media on opposite sides of the polymer membrane, the gas diffusion media comprising a microporous layer and a gas diffusion layer, the anode electrode and the cathode electrode positioned between the polymer membrane and the pair of gas diffusion media; a subgasket positioned around a perimeter of one of the gas diffusion media, the subgasket defining an active area inside the perimeter, the subgasket having a layer of thermally activated adhesive thereon; and a bipolar plate sealed to the subgasket by the layer of thermally activated adhesive. Methods of making the integrated fuel cell assembly and assembling fuel cell stacks are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daniel P. Miller, Matthew J. Beutel, Sumeet Bhargava, Courtney E. Reich
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Patent number: 8399144Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a direct oxidation fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane, and an anode and a cathode sandwiching said electrolyte membrane. The cathode includes a catalyst layer in contact with the electrolyte membrane and a diffusion layer formed on the catalyst layer, and the catalyst layer contains 2 to 20% by volume of pores. A direct oxidation fuel cell including this membrane-electrode assembly has excellent power generating performance and durability.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Ueda, Hiroaki Matsuda, Takashi Akiyama
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Publication number: 20130065155Abstract: A catalyst layer material, a method for fabricating the same, and a fuel cell are provided. The catalyst layer material utilized for the fuel cell includes a catalyst support and a catalyst distributed on the catalyst support. The catalyst support contains TixM1-xO2, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of a Group IB metal, a Group IIA metal, a Group IIB metal, a Group IIIA, a Group VB metal, a Group VIB metal, a Group VIIB metal and a Group VIIIB metal, and 0<X?0.9. By applying the non-carbonaceous catalyst support containing high conductivity metal elements to the fuel cell, stability and performance of the cell can be effectively enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Van Thi Thanh Ho, Chun-Jern Pan, Wei-Nien Su, Bing-Joe Hwang
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Patent number: 8394550Abstract: A nano-patterned membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided, which includes an electrolyte membrane layer having a three-dimensional close-packed array of hexagonal-pyramids, a first porous electrode layer, disposed on a top surface of the electrolyte membrane layer that conforms to a top surface-shape of the three-dimensional close-packed array of hexagonal-pyramids, and a second porous electrode layer disposed on a bottom surface of said electrolyte membrane layer that conforms to a bottom surface-shape of the three-dimensional close-packed array of hexagonal-pyramids, where a freestanding nano-patterned MEA is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Cheng-Chieh Chao, Yi Cui, Ching-Mei Hsu, Young Beom Kim, Friedrich B. Prinz
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MANUFACTURING METHOD AND MANUFACTURING APPARATUS FOR GAS DIFFUSION LAYER OF FUEL CELL, AND FUEL CELL
Publication number: 20130059226Abstract: According to a manufacturing method for a fuel cell, an insulating member having a plurality of communication holes therein is disposed on a side of a gas diffusion layer, which is formed by stacking a layer made of a carbon fiber and a water-repellent layer, where the water-repellent layer is provided, the gas diffusion layer and the insulating member are sandwiched by a pair of electrodes, and a pair of contact pressure plates are disposed on respective rear surfaces of the pair of electrodes so as to sandwich the pair of electrodes so that the gas diffusion layer is pressurized by the pair of contact pressure plates. When a voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes while maintaining the pressurized state, an electric current flows through a protrusion portion of a carbon fiber which comes in contact with the electrode on the water-repellent layer side via the communication holes of the insulating member, so that the protrusion portion of the carbon fiber is burned and removed by Joule heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Yuichi Gomi, Katsuhide Kikuchi, Hiroshi Fujitani, Akito Kawasumi, Junji Nakanishi, Kenji Tsubosaka -
Patent number: 8389165Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell includes applying a sacrificial material periodically to a surface of an anode substrate, wherein at least some areas of the anode substrate have no sacrificial material. A first gas diffusion layer is applied to the sacrificial material, and a first catalyst material is applied to the first gas diffusion layer. An electrolyte material is applied to the anode substrate and the first gas diffusion layer, with the catalyst material, wherein a first surface of the electrolyte material is in operative association with the anode substrate, and the first gas diffusion layer. A second catalyst material is applied to the second surface of the electrolyte material. A second gas diffusion layer is applied to the electrolyte material on a second surface of the electrolyte material, with the catalyst material, wherein a first surface of the second gas diffusion layer is in contact with the second surface of the electrolyte material with the catalyst material.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventor: Karl A. Littau
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Publication number: 20130052558Abstract: A fuel cell includes at least one fuel cell element, which includes an anode, a cathode, a proton exchange membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, a first flow guide plate, and a second flow guide plate. Each of the anode and the cathode includes a catalyst layer including a number of tube carriers having electron conductibility, a number of catalyst particles uniformly adsorbed on an inner wall of each of the tube carriers, and a proton conductor filled in each of the plurality of tube carriers. A first end of each of the tube carriers connects with the proton exchange membrane. The first flow guide plate is disposed on a surface of the anode away from the proton exchange membrane. The second flow guide plate is disposed on a surface of the cathode away from the proton exchange membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: ZHI-XIANG LIU, CHENG WANG, ZONG-QIANG MAO
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Patent number: 8383285Abstract: A gas diffusion unit for a fuel cell, having at least two planar gas diffusion layers on whose edges seals are configured, at least two gas diffusion layers being joined together in an articulated manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KGInventor: Lars Gerding
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Publication number: 20130040221Abstract: An adhesive material is used to bond between layers of a fuel cell. The adhesive material includes an adhesive resin, conductive particles and a conductive resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shinobu Sekine
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Patent number: 8372558Abstract: A vinyl monomer is graft polymerized on an aromatic hydrocarbon-based polymer film substrate to introduce graft chains into the substrate and thereafter a functional monomer represented by the following formula and having sulfonic acid groups or functional groups capable of conversion to sulfonic acid groups is graft polymerized to introduce the sulfonic acid groups or the functional groups capable of conversion to sulfonic acid groups: where R is an aromatic ring or an aliphatic chain; X is (1) —OH, (2) —OLi, —ONa or —OK, (3) —F or —Cl, or (4) —OCnH2n+1 where n is an integer of 1 to 7. Since the graft chains obtained by graft polymerization of the vinyl monomer can also be utilized as scaffold polymers, the graft polymerizability of the functional monomer to the aromatic hydrocarbon-based polymer film substrate is sufficiently improved to enable the preparation of a polymer electrolyte membrane that excels not only in proton conductivity and mechanical strength but also in dimensional stability.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Japan Atomic Energy AgencyInventors: Jinhua Chen, Yasunari Maekawa, Masaharu Asano, Masaru Yoshida
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Patent number: 8372557Abstract: A carbon-fiber-based gas diffusion layer (GDL) for use in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC) having structured hydrophilic properties, wherein materials with hydrophilic properties and selected from the group of metal oxides in an average domain size of 0.5 to 80 ?m are present as hydrophilic wicks in the gas diffusion layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: SGL Carbon SEInventors: Peter Wilde, Rüdiger-Bernd Schweiss
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Publication number: 20130034794Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes two electrodes and a proton exchange membrane sandwiched between the two electrodes. Each electrode includes a catalyst layer. The catalyst layer includes a number of tube carriers having electron conductibility, a number of catalyst particles uniformly adsorbed on inner wall of each of the plurality of tube carriers, and proton conductor filled in each of the plurality of tube carriers. The tube carriers jointly define a plurality of reaction gas passages for transferring reaction gas to surfaces of the plurality of catalyst particles. One end of each of the tube carriers is connected with the proton exchange membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITYInventors: ZHI-XIANG LIU, CHENG WANG, ZONG-QIANG MAO
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Patent number: 8367266Abstract: A porous catalyst layer formed from discrete particles of unsupported metal, wherein at least 80%, suitably at least 90%, of the discrete particles have a mass of from 1 to 1000 zeptograms, and wherein the catalyst layer has a metal volume fraction of less than 30% and a metal loading of less than 0.09 mg/cm2 is disclosed. The catalyst layer is suitable for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells LimitedInventors: Ian Roy Harkness, Jonathan David Brereton Sharman, Edward Anthony Wright
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Publication number: 20130029246Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane, an anode-side separator having a fuel flow channel for supplying fuel, and a cathode-side separator having an oxidant flow channel for supplying oxidant. The anode includes an anode catalyst layer and an anode diffusion layer, and the cathode includes a cathode catalyst layer and a cathode diffusion layer. At least one of the fuel flow channel and the oxidant flow channel has a plurality of parallel linear portions. The anode catalyst layer or the cathode catalyst layer has a plurality of belt-like first regions facing the linear portions and at least one second region between the adjacent first regions. The amount of catalyst in the first regions per unit area is on average larger than the amount of catalyst in the at least one second region per unit area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventor: Takashi AKIYAMA
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Publication number: 20130029247Abstract: There is provided a membrane electrode assembly including an anode gas diffusion layer included in an anode and a cathode gas diffusion layer included in a cathode, wherein the anode gas diffusion layer includes an anode gas diffusion substrate and an anode microporous layer disposed on a first surface of the anode gas diffusion substrate, wherein the cathode gas diffusion layer includes a cathode gas diffusion substrate and a cathode microporous layer disposed on a first surface of the cathode gas diffusion substrate, and wherein at least one of a strike-through ratio on a second surface of the anode gas diffusion substrate and a strike-through ratio on a second surface of the cathode gas diffusion substrate is larger than 0.2%.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: ENEOS CELLTECH CO., LTD.Inventor: ENEOS CELLTECH CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20130022891Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicants: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, DAIMLER AGInventors: Carmen Chuy, Scott McDermid, Herwig Haas, Rajeev Vohra, Mike Davis
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Publication number: 20130022890Abstract: In solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells, an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst may be incorporated at the anode along with the primary hydrogen oxidation catalyst for purposes of tolerance to voltage reversal. Incorporating this OER catalyst in a layer at the interface between the anode's primary hydrogen oxidation anode catalyst and its gas diffusion layer can provide greatly improved tolerance to voltage reversal for a given amount of OER catalyst. Further, this improvement can be gained without sacrificing cell performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicants: Ford Motor Company, Daimler AGInventors: Sumit Kundu, Scott McDermid, Amy Shun-Wen Yang, Liviu Catoiu, Darija Susac
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Patent number: 8354199Abstract: A multi-layer diffusion medium substrate having improved mechanical properties is disclosed. The diffusion medium substrate includes at least one stiff layer and at least one compressible layer. The at least one stiff layer has a greater stiffness in the x-y direction as compared to the at least one compressible layer. The at least one compressible layer has a greater compressibility in the z direction. A method of fabricating a multi-layer diffusion medium substrate is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chunxin Ji, Mark Mathias, Jeanette E. O'Hara, Yeh-Hung Lai
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Patent number: 8354137Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode catalyst layer for a fuel cell which includes a polymer electrolyte, a catalyst material and carbon particles, wherein the electrode catalyst layer employs a non-precious metal catalyst and has a high level of power generation performance. The electrode catalyst layer is used as a pair of electrode catalyst layers in a fuel cell in which a polymer electrolyte membrane is interposed between the pair of the electrode catalyst layers which are further interposed between a pair of gas diffusion layers. The method of the present invention has such a feature that the catalyst material or the carbon particles are preliminarily embedded in the polymer electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Morioka, Haruna Kurata, Saori Okada, Kenichiro Oota
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Publication number: 20130011763Abstract: A separator plate for a fuel cell is provided, including a substrate having a radiation-cured first flow field layer disposed thereon. A method for fabricating the separator plate is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; applying a first radiation-sensitive material to the substrate; placing a first mask between a first radiation source and the first radiation-sensitive material, the first mask having a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures; and exposing the first radiation-sensitive material to a plurality of first radiation beams to form a radiation-cured first flow field layer adjacent the substrate. A fuel cell having the separator plate is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Keith E. Newman, Gerald W. Fly, Alan J. Jacobsen, Peter D. Brewer, William B. Carter
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Patent number: 8349905Abstract: Disclosed herein is a proton-conducting polymer and uses thereof and, more particularly, a hydrocarbon-based proton-conducting polymer derived from a monomer having a multi-naphthyl group and comprising a plurality of acid groups on the side chain of the repeating unit, an electrolyte membrane comprising the polymer, a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell comprising the membrane-electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Inchul Hwang, Nak Hyun Kwon, Young Taek Kim, Dong Il Kim, Ju Ho Lee, Jang-Bae Son
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Patent number: 8344091Abstract: A polymer represented by the following Formula 1, and a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell system including the polymer: In the above Formula 1, definitions of the substituents are the same as in described in the detailed description.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co. Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Guk An, Sung-Yong Cho, Sang-Il Han, Kie Hyun Nam
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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
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Patent number: 8338050Abstract: The membrane electrode assembly includes an anode including a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte; a cathode including a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte; a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode; an anode gas diffusion layer; and a cathode gas diffusion layer, a set composed of the anode, the cathode and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane being interposed between the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer, wherein the cathode gas diffusion layer contains an oxidation catalyst and a water-repellent resin.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shuichi Suzuki, Jun Kawaji, Yoshiyuki Takamori, Makoto Morishima
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Publication number: 20120321987Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and a first separator and a second separator sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly has a resin frame member, and an inlet buffer is provided on the resin frame member adjacent to the fuel gas supply passage. The inlet buffer includes a first buffer area adjacent to the fuel gas supply passage and a second buffer area adjacent to a fuel gas flow field. The opening dimension of the first buffer area in a stacking direction is larger than the opening dimension of the second buffer area in the stacking direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Shuhei GOTO, Narutoshi SUGITA, Kentaro ISHIDA, Tetsuya NAKAMURA
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Publication number: 20120321968Abstract: There is provided an air battery having a power generation body, the power generation body comprising: a laminate in which a negative electrode, a separator, a positive electrode having a catalyst layer and a positive electrode current collector, and an oxygen diffusion membrane are laminated in this order; and an electrolyte being in contact with the negative electrode, the separator and the positive electrode, wherein one of main surfaces of the oxygen diffusion membrane is arranged facing one of main surfaces of the positive electrode current collector; and at least a part of a peripheral edge part of the oxygen diffusion membrane is in contact with atmospheric air.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Takashi Sato, Takitaro Yamaguchi