Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a porous electrode base material including the following steps [1] to [3]: [1] a step for dispersing short carbon fibers (A) to form a sheet-form product; [2] a step for adding, to the sheet-form product, at least one phenolic resin (c) selected from a group consisting of a water soluble phenolic resin and a water dispersible phenolic resin along with carbon powder (d) to form a precursor sheet; and [3] a step for carbonizing the precursor sheet at the temperature of 1000° C. or higher, after the step [2].

Abstract: Provided is a porous electrode substrate having high mechanical strength, good handling properties, high thickness precision, little undulation, and adequate gas permeability and conductivity. Also provided is a method for producing a porous electrode substrate at low costs. A porous electrode substrate is produced by joining short carbon fibers (A) via mesh-like of carbon fibers (B) having an average diameter of 4 ?m or smaller. Further provided are a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that use this porous electrode membrane. A porous electrode substrate is obtained by subjecting a precursor sheet, in which short carbon fibers (A) and short carbon fiber precursors (b) having an average diameter of 5 ?m or smaller have been dispersed, to carbonization treatment after optional hot press forming and optional oxidization treatment.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and catalyst layers joined on both sides of the electrolyte membrane and a pair of separators disposed at both sides of the membrane electrode assembly to respectively form gas flow spaces where two types of power generation gases flow. An electrically conductive porous substrate folded in a corrugated shape is disposed in at least one of the gas flow spaces defined on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly, and a gas flow space in which the electrically conductive porous substrate is disposed is divided into a plurality of gas flow paths substantially parallel to a flow direction of the power generation gases.

Abstract: A method for producing metal-supported carbon includes supporting metal microparticles on the surface of carbon black, by a liquid-phase reduction method, in a thin film fluid formed between processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte layer partitioning the anode layer and the cathode layer. The anode layer and the cathode layer are of about the same thickness and have about the same coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).

Abstract: To provide a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a high cell voltage. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell 1 comprising a membrane/electrode assembly 10 having a cathode catalyst layer 20, an anode catalyst layer 22 and a polymer electrolyte membrane 24 disposed between the cathode catalyst layer 20 and the anode catalyst layer 22, a porous first separator 12 disposed on the cathode catalyst layer 20 side of the membrane/electrode assembly 10, a second separator 18 disposed on the anode catalyst layer 22 side of the membrane/electrode assembly 10; and a cathode interlayer 14 disposed between the cathode catalyst layer 20 and the first separator 12 so as to be in direct contact with them, wherein the cathode interlayer 14 contains carbon fibers having an average fiber diameter of from 30 to 300 nm and an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: 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%.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a microporous layer configured to be disposed between a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell electrode assembly is provided. The microporous layer may have defined therein a plurality of hydrophilic pores, a plurality of hydrophobic pores with a diameter of 0.02 to 0.5 ?m, and a plurality of bores with a diameter of 0.5 to 100 ?m. The microporous layer structures and gas diffusion layer assemblies disclosed herein may be defined by a number of various designs and arrangements for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell that secures a flow path of a separator while preventing generation of a pin-hole. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a microporous layer that is disposed at both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, a backing layer that is disposed on the microporous layer, and a circumferential edge protective layer that is disposed at an circumferential edge of the electrolyte membrane. An end portion of the microporous layer is positioned further inside of the membrane electrode assembly than an end portion of the backing layer. The circumferential edge protective layer is inserted between the backing layer and the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A planar high temperature fuel cell, a use and a method of manufacture are discloses. The planar high-temperature fuel cell with includes a layer structure. The layer structure includes a cathode layer, an anode layer and a solid electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode layer and the anode layer. Each of the layers are planar. A porous metal structure is used as the support for the layer structure and is also planar.

Abstract: Membrane electrode assembly is provided that includes an electrolyte membrane; an electrode catalytic layer including nanostructured elements having acicular micro structured support whiskers bearing acicular nanoscopic catalyst particles; and a gas diffusion layer including a nitrogen-containing compound that includes an anionic ion-exchange group. A method of regenerating the membrane electrode assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell that includes a polymer electrolyte membrane is disclosed. The membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell further includes an anode disposed on one side of the polymer electrolyte membrane and including an anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode disposed on the other side of the polymer electrolyte membrane and including a cathode gas diffusion layer. At least one of the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer includes a water reservoir. The water reservoir includes a pore and a hydrophilic polymer inside the pore. A fuel cell stack including the membrane-electrode assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bonding layer, disposed between an interconnect layer and an electrode layer of a solid oxide fuel cell article, may be formed from a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder having a monomodal particle size distribution (PSD) with a d50 that is greater than about 1 ?m and a d90 that is greater than about 2 ?m.

Abstract: The invention describes an air-breathing fuel cell for the oxidation of ions with air or oxygen, having an anode half cell and a cathode half cell. A first ion-conducting membrane and a second ion-conducting membrane is introduced between the half cells, and the second ion-conducting membrane is coated at least in regions on the side orientated towards the cathode half cell with a catalyst for the reduction of oxygen. According to the invention, the air-breathing fuel cell is characterised in that an oxidation zone for the oxidation of ions with negative standard electrode potential is provided between the ion-conducting membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a tubular fuel cell by means of a pulling-core tool (11), wherein the pulling-core tool (11) comprises at least one tool part (12a, 12b) that forms a cavity and a pulling core (13) that can be positioned in at least two positions (A, B) in the cavity, wherein a hollow space (14, 14a) can be formed between the pulling core (13) and the at least one cavity-forming tool part (12a, 12b), which hollow space substantially corresponds to the shape of a tubular body to be formed, said tubular body being closed at one end by a cap section, wherein the pulling-core tool (11) has at least one sprue channel (15) that opens into the hollow-space region (14a) having the shape of the cap section.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention includes: a unit cell including a membrane-electrode assembly and a pair of separators; a manifold; a gas introducing member; and a first member. A recess is formed at a gas lead-out port side of the gas introducing member so as to be connected to the gas lead-out port. The first member is provided such that a communication portion thereof communicates with the manifold. The gas introducing member is provided such that: the recess communicates with the communication portion; and when viewed from a thickness direction of the polymer electrolyte membrane, the gas lead-out port and a main surface of the first member overlap each other.

Abstract: A resin frame equipped membrane electrode assembly includes a membrane electrode assembly and a resin frame member. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and an anode, and a cathode sandwiching the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The resin frame member is formed around the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The outer end of an electrode catalyst layer of the cathode protrudes beyond the outer end of a gas diffusion layer, and the resin frame member includes an inner extension protruding toward the outer periphery of the cathode to contact the outer end of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The inner extension of the resin frame member has an overlapped portion overlapped with the outer end of the electrode catalyst layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprises an electrolyte membrane; first and second catalyst layers formed on respective faces of the electrolyte membrane; and first and second reinforcing layers holding therebetween the electrolyte membrane and the first and second catalyst layers, wherein the first catalyst layer and the first reinforcing layer are joined together with a force of not less than a specific joint strength that suppresses expansion and contraction of the electrolyte membrane, and the second catalyst layer and the second reinforcing layer are joined together with a force of less than a specific joint strength that releases a stress due to expansion and contraction of the electrolyte membrane, or the second catalyst layer and the second reinforcing layer are not joined together.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is prepared by sandwiching an electrolyte membrane between an anode and a cathode. In the anode, a first porous layer is interposed between a first electrode catalyst layer and a first gas diffusion layer. In the cathode, a second porous layer is interposed between a second electrode catalyst layer and a second gas diffusion layer. A first piled body of the first gas diffusion layer and the first porous layer has a percolation pressure higher than that of a second piled body containing the second gas diffusion layer and the second porous layer. The first piled body has a percolation pressure of 25 to 120 kPa, and the second piled body has a percolation pressure of 5 to 25 kPa.

Abstract: A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.

Abstract: A resin frame member of a resin frame equipped membrane electrode assembly includes a recess where adhesive is provided. An inner protrusion on an inner side of the recess abuts against an electrode catalyst layer protruding outward beyond a gas diffusion layer of a membrane electrode assembly. An outer protrusion on an outer side of the recess abuts against the outermost portion of a gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly such that a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is interposed between the outer protrusion and the gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane electrode assembly and a resin frame member. The electrolyte membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode and a second electrode. The resin frame member has a recess in which the first electrode, the electrolyte membrane, and a portion of a second electrode catalyst layer protruding from a second gas diffusion layer are disposed, and an insertion hole which is in communication with the recess and in which the second gas diffusion layer is inserted. A filling layer covering an outer edge portion of the second electrode catalyst layer and having an oxygen permeability of 2×105 ml/m2·24 hr·atm or less is formed at least in a space between an inner wall of the insertion hole and the second gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: Diffusion media for use in PEM fuel cells are provided with silicone coatings. The media are made of a porous electroconductive substrate, a first hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer coating adhered to the substrate, and a second coating comprising a hydrophobic silicone polymer adhered to the substrate. The substrate is preferably a carbon fiber paper, the hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer is PTFE or similar polymer, and the silicone is moisture curable.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a cell having a solid oxide electrolyte between electrodes. The cell has a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A metallic support is in electrical connection with one of the electrodes. The metallic support includes a metal substrate and a compliant porous nickel layer that is bonded to the metal substrate between the cell and the metal substrate. The metal substrate has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that nominally matches the first coefficient of thermal expansion of the cell. The metal substrate has a first stiffness and the compliant porous nickel layer has a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness such that the compliant porous nickel layer can thermally expand and contract with the metal substrate.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: a proton conductive membrane for conducting protons; electrode catalyst layers arranged at both sides of the proton conductive membrane containing catalyst particles and an electrode electrolyte; and gas diffusion layers arranged on the respective electrode catalyst layers, having a porous basic material. Further, intermediate layers each having a thickness of 2-6 ?m are included, with noble metallic nanoparticles, an electrode electrolyte and carbon powder.

Abstract: Dry process based energy storage device structures and methods for using a dry adhesive therein are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane-electrode structure with a resin frame is provided with: an electrolyte membrane-electrode structure that is provided with an anode-side electrode and a cathode-side electrode, with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane being held therebetween; and a resin frame member that is arranged around the outer periphery of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. An intermediate layer is continuously arranged: between an outer peripheral end portion of the cathode-side electrode and a first inner peripheral end portion of the resin frame member; on an outer peripheral end portion of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, said outer peripheral end portion being exposed outside the outer peripheral end portion of the cathode-side electrode; and between an outer peripheral end portion of the anode-side electrode and a second inner peripheral end portion of the resin frame member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical/horizontal light-emitting diode for a semiconductor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell which is capable of improving electric power generation efficiency at a time of high-temperature operation. The fuel cell 10 comprising: a membrane electrode assembly 4; and a pair of gas separators 7, 8 sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly 4 therebetween, wherein at least one of the gas separator(s) 7 and/or 8 comprises a compact layer(s) 7c and/or 8c which is capable of preventing permeation of fluid and a porous layer (s) 7d and/or 8d which allows permeation of fluid, and the porous layer(s) 7d and/or 8d is impregnated with a water-soluble liquid having higher boiling point than that of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed therebetween. The anode includes an anode catalyst layer laminated on one principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode diffusion layer laminated on the anode catalyst layer. The cathode includes a cathode catalyst layer laminated on the other principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode diffusion layer laminated on the cathode catalyst layer. At least one of the anode and cathode diffusion layers includes a conductive porous substrate, a porous composite layer laminated on the conductive porous substrate at the catalyst layer side, and a modified layer disposed on the porous composite layer at the catalyst layer side. The porous composite layer includes a conductive carbon material, and a first water-repellent resin material. The modified layer includes a second water-repellent resin material having a needle-like shape.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode having a first portion and a second portion, such that the first portion is located between the electrolyte and the second portion. The anode electrode comprises a cermet comprising a nickel containing phase and a ceramic phase. The first portion of the anode electrode contains a lower porosity and a lower ratio of the nickel containing phase to the ceramic phase than the second portion of the anode electrode.

Abstract: There are provided a fuel cell capable of suppressing damage to an end thereof, and a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device that include the fuel cell. In a fuel cell (1) wherein a fuel electrode layer (3) is formed on one of opposite main surfaces of a solid electrolyte layer (4) and an air electrode layer (5) is formed on the other of the main surfaces, and electric power is generated by utilizing a fuel gas and an oxygen-containing gas, an oxidation suppression layer (10) is located closer to the fuel electrode layer (3) than at least the solid electrolyte layer (4) on one end of the fuel cell (1), the oxidation suppression layer (10) being composed mainly of silicate containing at least one of elements belonging to Group 2 on the periodic table. This makes it possible to provide a fuel cell (1a) capable of suppressing damage to and oxidation of one end thereof.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically conductive membrane that can be configured to be used in fuel cell systems to act as a hydrophilic water separator internal to the fuel cell, or as a water separator used with water vapor fed electrolysis cells, or as a water separator used with water vapor fed electrolysis cells, or as a capillary structure in a thin head pipe evaporator, or as a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer covering the fuel cell electrode surface in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly including an anode that incorporates a porous support and a hydrogen permeable metal thin film disposed on the porous support; a cathode; and a proton conductive solid oxide electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A membrane-membrane reinforcing member assembly (1) of the present invention includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (10) having a pair of first main surface (F1) and second main surface (F2) which face each other and each has a substantially rectangular shape; a pair of first membrane reinforcing members 22 and 24 which are disposed on portions, respectively, extending along a pair of opposed sides of four sides of the first main surface (F1), each has a main surface smaller than the first main surface (F1) and each has a film shape; and a pair of second membrane reinforcing members (26) and (28) which are disposed on portions, respectively, extending along a pair of opposed sides of four sides of the second main surface (F2), each has a main surface smaller than the second main surface (F2) and each has a film shape, wherein the pair of first membrane reinforcing members (22) and (24) and the pair of second membrane reinforcing members (26) and (28) are disposed so as to extend along four sides as a whole,

Abstract: The present invention provides an MEA which improves water retention properties of an electrode catalyst layer without inhibiting diffusion of a reaction gas and drainage of water produced by an electrode reaction etc. One aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing method of an MEA which includes coating and drying a catalyst ink to form a first electrode catalyst sub-layer, coating and drying a catalyst ink to form a second electrode catalyst sub-layer, and forming the first and the second electrode catalyst sub-layers on a polymer electrolyte membrane in this order, and has a specific feature that a solvent removal rate in drying to form the first electrode catalyst sub-layer is higher than that in drying to form the second electrode catalyst sub-layer.

Abstract: Metal supported solid oxide fuel cells produced by high voltage medium current tri-gas atmospheric plasma spraying are revealed. These fuel cells have better electrical properties, better redox stability, better durability and higher thermal conductivity due to the metal support. Moreover, nano structure of an anode interlayer and nano structure of a cathode interlayer have more three-phase boundaries (TPB) so that performance of the solid oxide fuel cell is improved and the working temperature of the solid oxide fuel cell is reduced. The shape of the solid oxide fuel cell is planar or tubular.

Abstract: A catalyst layer 2 is formed by conductive particles 4 carrying catalyst particles 5, and a boundary layer 3 is disposed adjacent to the catalyst layer 2 and is positioned between a portion which is easily contacted with an oxygen gas and the catalyst layer 2. The boundary layer 3 is formed by the conductive particles 4 carrying the catalyst particles 5 and a catalyst-carrying amount in the boundary layer 3 is smaller than a catalyst-carrying amount in the catalyst layer 2, and a hydrophilic treatment is carried out on the conductive particles 4 of the boundary layer 3 by a hydrophilic material, such that the hydrophilic characteristics of the conductive particles of the boundary layer are higher than that of the catalyst layer.

Abstract: The electrode for a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer disposed on the electrode substrate, the catalyst layer including metal nanoparticles, a binder and a catalyst. The metal nanoparticles in the catalyst layer improve electrical conductivity, and also have catalyst activity to implement a catalytic synergetic effect so as to provide a high power fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a fuel electrode having an interface with a fuel gas, a dense ion conductor (electrolyte) and an air electrode having an interface with air (oxygen) layered in this order, the fuel electrode and the air electrode are not in contact with each other and are separated by an electrolyte, and including a functional layer having a porous structure and promoting electrochemical reactions is layered on part or all of a fuel electrode surface that is an interface with the fuel gas. The electrochemical cell allows a high-efficiency electrochemical reaction system that utilizes a gaseous hydrogen fuel that significantly lowers resistance derived from internal diffusion of a gaseous hydrogen fuel gas in a fuel electrode, and makes it possible to achieve, at a single-cell level, a generation efficiency of 40% or more even in a medium-to-low-temperature region at or below 700° C.

Abstract: Provided are a solid oxide fuel cell and a method of manufacturing the same. The solid oxide fuel cell in which at least one or more unit modules are stacked and integrated with each other includes first and second solid electrolyte layers in which each of the unit modules includes a plurality of fuel electrodes spaced a predetermined distance from each other and each having a strip shape and first and second supports each including a plurality of slits each having the same strip shape as that of each of the fuel electrodes. The first and second solid electrolyte layers overlap with each other on lower and upper sides of the first support so that the fuel electrodes face each other within the slits of the first support, and the second support overlaps with a lower side of the first or second solid electrolyte layer overlapping with the lower side of the first support so that the slits of the second support are disposed perpendicular to the slits of the first support.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is provided with: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; and an anode-side electrode and a cathode-side electrode that sandwich the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The cathode-side electrode has smaller planar dimensions than the anode-side electrode. In the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly, a resin frame member is provided around the outer periphery of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The resin frame member is bonded to the cathode-side electrode by having only the outer peripheral portion of the cathode-side electrode being impregnated with the inner peripheral portion of the resin frame member.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell supplied with a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, including a single cell 4 having a plate-like electrolyte 41, an cathode 42 formed on an upper surface of the electrolyte 41, and a anode 43 formed on a lower surface of the electrolyte 41; a conductive support substrate 2 supporting the single cell 4, and having through-holes 21 that form a supply path for the fuel gas or oxidant gas; and a gas-permeable welding layer 3 sandwiched between the single cell 4 and the support substrate 2, and welded to the single cell 4 and the support substrate 2.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a resin frame member. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first catalyst layer and a first gas diffusion layer. The second electrode includes a second catalyst layer and a second gas diffusion layer. The resin frame member includes an outer peripheral portion and an inner peripheral projection. A first space includes a gap between an outer peripheral end face of the second gas diffusion layer and an inner-side end face of the inner peripheral projection. A second space includes a gap between an outer peripheral end face of the first gas diffusion layer and an inner-side wall face of the outer peripheral portion. The first space has a dimension different from a dimension of the second space.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an MEA structure unit and a resin frame member. The MEA structure unit includes a cathode, an anode, and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the cathode and the anode. The resin frame member is formed around the MEA structure unit, and joined to the MEA structure unit. An adhesive layer is provided between an outer marginal portion of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane extending outward beyond an outer end of a second gas diffusion layer and an inner extension of the resin frame member. The adhesive layer includes an overlapped portion overlapped on an outer marginal end of the second gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a membrane and electrode assembly comprising a catalyst layer that improves water holding properties and exhibits high power generation characteristics even in low humidified conditions without inhibiting removal of the water generated by the electrode reaction, etc. and its manufacturing method. [Solution] The membrane and electrode assembly produced by sandwiching a polymer electrolyte membrane between a pair of catalyst layers is provided, in which the catalyst layer comprises a polymer electrolyte and particles carrying a catalyst material, and in which the proportion of the polymer electrolyte expressed by {(mass of polymer electrolyte)/(mass of particles in particles carrying catalyst material)} in the catalyst layer is decreased toward the polymer electrolyte membrane (the inside) from the surface of the catalyst layer (the outside).

Abstract: There is provided a dendritic catalyst layer for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell including: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; electrodes; and catalyst layers each provided between the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the respective electrode, the catalyst layer for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a catalyst with a dendritic structure. The catalyst with a dendritic structure is formed through vacuum evaporation such as reactive sputtering, reactive electron beam evaporation, or ion plating. The catalyst layer for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell can improve catalytic activity, catalyst utilization, and substance transport performance in the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) includes first bonding a first electrode layer to a first side of an ion-exchange membrane. The method may further include protecting a second side of the membrane with a release sheet. The method may further include removing the release sheet and bonding the second side of the membrane to a first side of a second electrode layer. The method may further include positioning venting members on a second side of the second electrode layer to remove at least one of a liquid and a vapor that may be generated during the bonding process. In another embodiment an electrocatalyst can first bond to at least one side of the membrane, and subsequently, to a gas diffusion layer. An opposing side of the membrane can bond to an electrode layer in aqueous state.