Membrane Electrode Assembly (mea) Patents (Class 429/483)
  • Publication number: 20110236788
    Abstract: A method of coating carbon based electrodes and thick electrodes without mud-cracking is described. The electrode ink is deposited on a decal substrate, and transferred to a hot press before the electrode ink is completely dried. The partially dried electrode ink is hot pressed to the membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly. A membrane electrode assembly including a polymer membrane; and a pair of crack-free electrode layers on opposite sides of the polymer membrane, each of the pair of electrode layers having a thickness of at least about 50 ?m is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Junliang Zhang, Matthew Dioguardi, Frederick T. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110229795
    Abstract: The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Chunming Niu, Calvin Y.H. Chow, Stephen A. Empedocles, J. Wallace Parce
  • Patent number: 8021799
    Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to a high performance ceramic anode which will increase flexibility in the types of fuels that may be used with the anode. The embodiments further relate to high-performance, direct-oxidation SOFC utilizing the anodes, providing improved electro-catalytic activity and redox stability. The SOFCs are capable of use with strategic fuels and other hydrocarbon fuels. Also provided are methods of making the high-performance anodes and solid oxide fuel cells comprising the anodes exhibiting improved electronic conductivity and electrochemical activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Raymond J. Gorte, John M. Vohs, Michael D. Gross
  • Publication number: 20110223519
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and a solid oxide electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and a porous conductive support disposed at one surface or both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly. Both the membrane electrode assembly and the porous conductive support have an uneven structure, and are coupled to each other in a male and female coupling manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-kyun KANG, Tae-young Kim, Pil-won Heo, Jin-su Ha
  • Publication number: 20110223517
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of making an MEA for a fuel cell comprises arranging a cathodic structure on a first surface of a PEM, and arranging an anodic structure on a second surface of the PEM, opposite the first surface, the anodic structure containing more PA per unit volume than the cathodic structure. The method further comprises pressing the cathodic and anodic structures to the PEM to form the MEA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: CLEAREDGE POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Nengyou Jia, Jason M. Tang, Yang Song
  • Publication number: 20110223515
    Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane-electrode assembly may include a polymer electrolyte membrane, an adhesive layer disposed on the polymer electrolyte membrane and a catalyst layer formed, as part of the adhesive layer. The polymer electrolyte membrane, the adhesive layer and the catalyst layer may be positioned between a cathode substrate and an anode substrate. The cathode may include a cathode substrate and the anode may include an anode substrate. A method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly and a system incorporating a membrane-electrode assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-Tak Kim, Sung-Yong Cho, Tae-Yoon Kim, Sang-Il Han, Kah-Young Song, Geun-Seok Chai, Myoung-Ki Min
  • Patent number: 8017284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode for a fuel cell which includes an electrode substrate composed of nano-carbon fiber, with a catalyst layer formed on the electrode substrate. The electrode substrate has a better strength than an electrode substrate composed of a conventional carbonaceous material, and a pore size which can be controlled even though the composition for forming the catalyst layer may be coated in the form of a slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-Gon Noh
  • Patent number: 8012647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane-electrode unit comprising a) two electrochemically active electrodes divided by a polymer electrolytic membrane, wherein the surfaces of said polymer electrolytic membrane are in contact with the electrodes in such a way that the first electrode partially or entirely covers the front side of the polymer electrolytic membrane and the second electrode partially or entirely covers the rear side thereof, b) a sealing material is applied to the front and rear sides of the polymer electrolytic membrane, wherein the polymer electrolytic membrane is provided with one or several recesses and the sealing material applied to the front side of the polymer electrolytic membrane is in contact with the sealing material applied to the rear side thereof. A method for producing said membrane-electrode unit and fuel cells provided therewith are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Pawlik, Oemer Uensal, Thomas Schmidt, Christoph Padberg, Glen Hoppes
  • Patent number: 8007953
    Abstract: To provide a membrane/electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells capable of obtaining a high output voltage even in a high current density region, by providing electrodes having good gas diffusion properties, conductivity, water repellency and durability. A membrane/electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, comprising; an anode and a cathode each having a catalyst layer containing a catalyst and having a gas diffusion layer; and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the catalyst layer of the anode and the catalyst layer of the cathode, characterized in that at least one of the above anode and cathode, has a carbon layer containing a fluorinated ion exchange resin and carbon nanofibers having a fiber diameter of from 1 to 1,000 nm and a fiber length of at most 1,000 ?m, disposed between the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: Asahi Glass Company, Limited, Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Tanuma
  • Patent number: 8007944
    Abstract: An active test fuel cell characterizes and qualifies cell-internal components to establish technical data on the cell-internal components to be tested at low assembly costs, at a low error rate and with a high degree of reproducibility of the measuring results. The test fuel cell includes two housing plates. One of the housing plates is coupled to a piston/cylinder unit whose piston acts on a pressure element which in turn applies a load to the cell-internal components being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Balticfuelcells GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Möller, Christian Härte, Bastian Ruffmann
  • Patent number: 8007952
    Abstract: A DMFC is provided in which the structure is simplified and the thickness is reduced without impairing diffusibility of fuel, air and generated products. An anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer sandwich an electrolyte membrane. Liquid fuel stored in a fuel chamber is directly supplied to the anode catalyst layer. Current collectors are respectively provided adjacent to the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. Each of the current collectors is formed of a flat conductive sheet in which a plurality of fine pores are provided to extend through the current collector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichiro Imura
  • Publication number: 20110207018
    Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including a polymer electrolyte membrane and a pair of catalyst electrodes sandwiching the polymer electrolyte membrane; a pair of separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly, the separators each including linear reaction gas channels defined by linear channel ribs, a reaction gas supply manifold hole, and a reaction gas discharge manifold hole; and an inlet gas distribution section for connecting the reaction gas supply manifold hole and the reaction gas channels, wherein the inlet gas distribution section includes n (where n is an integer of 2 or more) distribution ribs for partitioning the inlet gas distribution section into a plurality of spaces, the distribution ribs each having a longitudinal axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the linear reaction gas channels, the distribution ribs each having two or more slits provided therein, the slits being in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear reaction channels,
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Nakagawa, Toshihiro Matsumoto, Miyuki Yoshimoto, Kenji Arai
  • Patent number: 8003276
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell of the present invention includes an electrolyte membrane (100); and a pair of electrode catalyst layers (110) provided on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane. Furthermore, in the present invention, a plurality of hydrophilic groups exist along a substantially continuous concentration gradient from a surface of one of the electrode catalyst layers opposite to a surface thereof in contact with the electrolyte membrane to a surface of the other electrode catalyst layer opposite to a surface thereof in contact with the electrolyte membrane in a thickness direction of the electrolyte membrane (100) and the electrode catalyst layers (110). This makes it possible to provide a membrane electrode assembly with water management performed not only in the surfaces but also in the entire assembly in the thickness direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichiro Aotani
  • Patent number: 8003275
    Abstract: A monopolar membrane-electrode assembly, including an electrolyte membrane having a plurality of cell regions and at least one opening associated with each cell region, a plurality of anode current collecting bodies and a plurality of cathode current collecting bodies respectively formed at the cell regions on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, each current collecting body including a current collector collecting the currents on the cell regions, and a conductor connected to a side of the current collector, respective ends of the conductors of corresponding anode and cathode current collecting bodies being connected through the corresponding openings in series, and a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes respectively formed on the anode current collecting bodies and the cathode current collecting bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Hwan Choi, Jae-yong Lee, Jin-ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20110195338
    Abstract: A hyper-branched polymer, which is a product obtained by performing condensation polymerization reaction of a hyper-branched polymer composition including a diisocyanate-based compound and a dihydroxyamine-based compound, a cross-linked hyper-branched polymer, an electrode and electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the hyper-branched polymer or the cross-linked hyper-branched polymer, and a fuel cell including the electrode and the electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Seong-woo CHOI, Cheol-hee AHN, Jung-ock PARK, So-young PARK
  • Patent number: 7993499
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Pia Braun, Lutz Rohland
  • Publication number: 20110189584
    Abstract: A polymer composition, a cross-linked polymer formed therefrom, an electrolyte membrane and electrode for a fuel cell including the same, and a fuel cell employing the electrode and the electrolyte membrane. The cross-linked polymer includes an oxazine-based monomer capable of retaining phosphoric acid and has excellent mechanical strength. When the cross-linked polymer is used, an electrode and electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell with enhanced capability of retaining phosphoric acid at a wide range of temperature may be manufactured, leading to long-term durability, and enhanced proton conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Seong-woo CHOI, Jong-chan Lee, Jung-ock Park, Sung-kon Kim, Jung-woo Jung
  • Patent number: 7989110
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solid ionic conducting material which can be used as an electrolyte or as a component of a composite electrode. The material comprises a polymer matrix, at least one ionic species and at least one reinforcing agent. The polymer matrix is a solvating polymer optionally having a polar character, a non-solvating polymer carrying acidic ionic groups, or a mixture of a solvating or non-solvating polymer and an aprotic polar liquid. The ionic species is an ionic compound selected from salts and acids, said compound being in solution in the polymer matrix, or an anionic or cationic ionic group fixed by covalent bonding on the polymer, or a combination of the two. The reinforcing agent is a cellulosic material or a chitin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Cavaille, Alain Dufresne, Michel Paillet, My Ahmed Said Azizi Samir, Fannie Alloin, Jean-Yves Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7989115
    Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte membrane having (a) an ion exchange material and (b) dispersed in said ion exchange material, a hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst bound to a carbon particle support, wherein the hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst comprises (i) polyvinylphosphonic acid and (ii) cerium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Durante, William E. Delaney
  • Patent number: 7981566
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell has superior power generation characteristics under low humidity conditions and superior starting characteristics under low temperature conditions. In the membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which a polymer electrolyte membrane is disposed between a pair of electrodes containing a catalyst, the polymer electrolyte membrane has a polymer segment A having an ion conductive component and a polymer segment B not having an ion conductive component. Furthermore, in the case in which the polymer electrolyte membrane is immersed in water at 90° C. for 30 minutes, absorbed water which exhibits a thawing temperature of from ?30 to 0° C. is in a range from 0.01 to 3.0 g per 1 g of the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nagayuki Kanaoka, Naoki Mitsuta, Yuichiro Hama, Ryoichiro Takahashi, Hiroshi Souma, Masaru Iguchi, Yoichi Asano
  • Patent number: 7981562
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes an electricity generating element, which generates electrical energy through a reaction of a fuel and oxygen. The electricity generating element includes a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), a first separator positioned at a first side of the MEA and having a heat sink element positioned therein for dissipating heat generated through the reaction of the fuel and oxygen, and a second separator positioned at a second, opposite side of the MEA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 7981572
    Abstract: Separators (5A, 5B, 6) and membrane-electrode assemblies (2) of a fuel cell stack (1) are alternately stacked in a guide box (40). The separators (5A, 5B, 6) each have groove-like gas paths (10A, 10B). Powder of an adhesive agent (7) is adhered in advance to the surfaces of the separators (5A, 5B, 6), except the gas paths (10A, 10B), through photosensitive drums (31A, 31B) to which the powder is adsorbed in a given pattern. The separators (5A, 5B, 6) and the membrane-electrode assemblies (2), stacked in the guide box (40), are heated and compressed by a press (43) and heaters (40C) to obtain a unitized fuel cell stack (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Fujiki, Yukihiro Maekawa, Takeharu Kuramochi, Masahiko Katsu, Takayuki Hirao, Takeshi Shimizu, Masanori Iwamoto, Sadao Miki, Haruhiko Suzuki, Yoshiki Muto, Kaoru Eguchi, Masahiro Omata, Hiroshi Saitou
  • Patent number: 7977014
    Abstract: In a manufacturing method for an electrode-membrane-frame assembly in a fuel cell, a first frame member and an electrolyte membrane member are arranged in a first mold for injection molding such that the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is arranged on the first frame member, a second mold is arranged to form a resin flow passage for forming a second frame member which is in contact with the first frame member by interposing the electrolyte membrane member, and a part of the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is pressed and fixed to the first frame member by a presser member mounted on the second mold and a molding resin material is injected into the resin flow passage to form a second frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Morimoto, Hiroki Kusakabe, Toshihiro Matsumoto, Norihiko Kawabata, Mitsuo Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7976895
    Abstract: To prevent the liquid electrolyte from penetrating into the porous support while at the same time preserving or increasing the power density of the fuel cell, before the liquid electrolyte is deposited, at least a part of the walls delineating the pores of said support is covered by a film formed by a material presenting a contact angle of more than 90° with a drop of said liquid electrolyte. Said film further presents a thickness enabling passage of the reactive fluid in the pores of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Commissariat a l 'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Vincent Faucheux, Christelle Laugier, Jean-Yves Laurent, Steve Martin
  • Publication number: 20110165496
    Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell electrode assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the fuel cell electrode assembly includes a substrate and a plurality of catalyst regions supported on the substrate to provide a passage way formed between the catalyst regions for passing fuel cell reactants, at least a portion of the plurality of catalyst regions including a number of atomic layers of catalyst metals. In certain instances, the number of atomic layers of catalyst metals is greater than zero and less than 300. In certain other instances, the number of atomic layers of catalyst metals is between 1 and 100. In yet certain other instances, the number of atomic layers of catalyst metals is between 1 and 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Alireza Pezhman Shirvanian
  • Patent number: 7972743
    Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) 1 has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2. The membrane 2 has ion-conductive domains 3 and non-ion-conductive domains 4 and an electrode catalyst 5. The electrode catalyst 5 is present selectively on surface sites of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2 which corresponds to the ion-conductive domains 3 rather than surface sites of the membrane 2 which corresponds to the non-ion-conductive domains 4. A spray liquid containing the electrode catalyst and a solvent is applied onto a surface of the membrane 2 by electrostatic spray deposition to selectively adhere the electrode catalyst 5 on the surface sites of the membrane 2 which corresponds to the ion-conductive domains 3. The membrane 2 is preferably subjected to a hydrophilization treatment before being sprayed with the spray liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Nagaoka University of Technology
    Inventors: Minoru Umeda, Akifumi Yamada, Isamu Uchida
  • Patent number: 7972744
    Abstract: A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane is formed of a polymer having layers of a clay-based cation exchange material. The substrate comprises an electrode formed from a solution that has an exfoliated, inorganic, sodium-based cation exchange material, an ionically conductive polymer-based material, and a solvent-dispersant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yang T. Cheng, Michael J. Lukitsch, William R. Rodgers, Paula D. Fasulo
  • Publication number: 20110159400
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a hybrid catalyst system is provided. In one embodiment, the hybrid catalyst system includes a support mixture and a catalyst material supported on the support mixture, wherein the support mixture includes a first support material having a first average surface area and a second support material having a second average surface area different from the first average surface area, the first and second support materials collectively defining regions of differential hydrophobicity. In certain instances, the hybrid catalyst system can be configured as a catalyst layer to be disposed next to a proton exchange membrane of a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Mohan Karulkar
  • Publication number: 20110159402
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a stabilized fluoropolymer which comprises producing the stabilized fluoropolymer by subjecting a treatment target substance containing a sulfonic-acid-derived-group-containing fluoropolymer to a fluorination treatment, wherein the sulfonic-acid-derived-group-containing fluoropolymer is a fluoropolymer containing —SO3M (in which M represents H, NR1R2R3R4 or M11/L; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and each represents H or an alkyl group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and M1 represents an L-valent metal), and the treatment target substance has a moisture content of not higher than 500 ppm by mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicants: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD., ASAHI KASEI E-MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji HONDA, Hideki IIJIMA, Yasuhiro HASHIMOTO, Tadashi INO, Tadaharu ISAKA, Masahiro KONDO
  • Publication number: 20110159401
    Abstract: The invention provides a direct methanol fuel cell. The direct methanol fuel cell includes a membrane having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The membrane is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. Two terminals of the membrane and a portion of the first and second surfaces adjacent to the two terminals are exposed from a pair of the electrodes. A pair of gas diffusion layers is respectively disposed on the pair of electrodes. A plurality of first border material layers having a plurality of holes is respectively physically embedded on the exposed first and second surfaces. A plurality of adhesion materials is respectively mounted on the border material layers, passing through the holes to contact the first and second surfaces of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: NAN YA PCB CORP.
    Inventors: Jiun-Ming Chen, Jyun-Yi Lai, Yu-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 7964323
    Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell of this invention has at least one unit cell including: a membrane-electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode, each of the anode and the cathode including a catalyst layer and a diffusion layer; an anode-side separator with a fuel flow channel for supplying a fuel to the anode; and a cathode-side separator with an oxidant flow channel for supplying an oxidant to the cathode. The catalyst layer of at least one of the anode and the cathode includes high-porosity regions and low-porosity regions, and the high-porosity regions and the low-porosity regions are arranged in a mixed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 7964068
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a membrane-electrode assembly having a first electrode having a shape of a rod-form or a cylindrical-form, a strip-form diaphragm covering the periphery of the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on a surface of the strip-form diaphragm; an electrolytic unit containing the membrane-electrode assembly; an electrolytic water ejecting apparatus containing the electrolytic unit; and a method of sterilization using the membrane-electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: Permelec Electrode Ltd., Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kitaori, Kota Sekido, Genzo Yamane, Katsumi Hamaguchi, Hozumi Tanaka, Yoshinori Nishiki, Tsuneto Furuta
  • Publication number: 20110143254
    Abstract: One embodiment includes at least one of the anode and cathode of a fuel cell comprises a first layer and a second layer in intimate contact with each other. Both the first layer and the second layer comprise a catalyst capable of catalyzing an electrochemical reaction of a reactant gas. The second layer has a higher porosity than the first layer. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based on the layered electrode configuration and a process of making a fuel cell are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Anusorn Kongkanand, Eric L. Thompson, Frederick T. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110136039
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly manufacturing method that includes: (a) forming a first electrode on a first release paper and a second electrode on a second release paper corresponding to the first electrode; (b) forming first incision parts in the first release paper at a predetermined interval along the first electrode's edge and second incision parts in the second release paper at a predetermined interval along the second electrode's edge; (c) adhering a first release paper surface on which the first electrode is formed on one electrolyte membrane surface and adhering one second release paper surface in which the second electrode is formed on the other electrolyte membrane surface; and (d) removing one part of the first release paper corresponding to the first electrode along the first incision part and removing one part of the second release paper corresponding to the second electrode along the second incision part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Ki Sub Lee
  • Publication number: 20110136040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfonated poly(arylene ether) copolymer, a manufacturing method thereof and a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, DONGJIN SEMICHEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Inchul Hwang, Ki Yun Cho, Dong Il Kim, Ju Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7955750
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a membrane layer, a cathode or anode catalyst layer adjacent to a surface of the membrane layer, an anode or cathode catalyst layer adjacent to an other surface of the membrane layer, an adhesive layer adjacent to the other surface of the membrane layer, wherein the adhesive layer abuts a surface of the anode or cathode catalyst layer, and a subgasket layer having an edge portion, wherein the subgasket layer is adjacent to a surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the cathode catalyst layer and anode catalyst layer extend along a length of the membrane layer relative to the edge portion of the subgasket layer, wherein the cathode or anode catalyst layer extends a greater length along the length of the membrane layer than the anode or cathode catalyst layer relative to the edge portion of the subgasket layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James Leistra, Ronald L. James, David Dobulis
  • Patent number: 7955757
    Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly comprising a cathode catalyst layer for reducing an oxidant gas, a polymer electrolyte membrane and an anode catalyst layer, the polymer electrolyte membrane being sandwiched between the catalyst layers, wherein the cathode catalyst layer exhibits super-water-repellency. The disclosure is also concerned with a method of manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell using the membrane-electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Hirashige, Hiroshi Sasaki, Makoto Morishima
  • Publication number: 20110129759
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a method for forming a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) using the same, in which carbon nanofibers are added to a catalyst layer to increase the mechanical strength of the catalyst layer and to maintain the thickness of the catalyst layer after operation for a long time, thus preventing a reduction in physical durability of the fuel cell, and cerium-zirconium oxide (CeZrO4) as a radical inhibitor is added to the catalyst layer, thus preventing a reduction in chemical durability of the fuel cell. As a result, it is possible to physically and chemically increase the performance and durability of the fuel cell membrane-electrode assembly in a robust manner and minimize the reduction in performance after operation for a long time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: In Chul Hwang, Nak Hyun Kwon, Jae Seung Lee
  • Publication number: 20110123900
    Abstract: An ion-conductive composite membrane and a method of manufacturing the same, the membrane including phosphate platelets, a silicon compound, and a Keggin-type oxometalate and/or Keggin-type heteropoly acid, wherein the phosphate platelets are three-dimensionally connected to each other via the silicon compound. An electrolyte membrane having an ion-conductive inorganic membrane or an ion-conductive organic/inorganic composite membrane effectively prevents crossover of liquid fuel without the reduction of ion conductivity in a liquid fuel cell, thereby allowing for the production of fuel cells having excellent performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HYUK CHANG, Hae-Kyoung Kim, Hasuck Kim, Jin-Kyu Lee, Sangook Park, Shin Woo Ha
  • Patent number: 7947400
    Abstract: An electrochemical conversion assembly (10) is provided comprising a plurality of electrochemical conversion cells arranged in a conductively coupled fuel cell stack (20), a condition sensor (30, 40) operatively coupled to the fuel cell stack (20), and a programmable controller operatively coupled to the condition sensor and the fuel cell stack. The condition sensor is configured to measure a rate of change of hydration in the proton exchange membrane and either the condition sensor or the programmable controller is configured to generate a signal indicative of the measured rate of change of hydration. The programmable controller is configured to facilitate control of at least one operating parameter of the electrochemical conversion assembly by monitoring the signal indicative of the measured rate of change of hydration. The condition sensor can be configured to detect a dimensional change or a change in compression of the conductively coupled fuel cell stack as the membrane hydration changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yeh-Hung Lai, Pinkhas A. Rapaport, John C. Fagey
  • Patent number: 7946329
    Abstract: The present invention realizes an automated system which automatically performs all processes including an inputting process, a bonding process, and a punching process using a robot in manufacturing an integrated part of an MEA and GDLs. Accordingly, with the automated system, it is possible to improve productivity and ensure consistent product quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jin Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7947406
    Abstract: A polymer electrolyte having a repetitive structure represented by the following formula (1): wherein B represents a single bond or a bivalent group, A represents a bivalent aromatic group, Y represents —SO2—, —SO— or —CO—, R1 represents a substituent, n1 represents an integer of from 0 to 3, L represents a perfluoroalkylene group, and M represents an ionic group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Itou, Yuushi Kaneko, Wataru Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20110117472
    Abstract: An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode includes a catalyst composition, a polymeric binder, a polymeric dispersant, and a solvent. The polymeric dispersant includes a perfluorocyclobutyl-containing polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roland J. Koestner, Sean M Mackinnon, Timothy J. Fuller, Jeanette E. Owejan
  • Patent number: 7943268
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to addressing performance issues attributable to membrane electrode assemblies, and the components thereof, in electrochemical conversion cells. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a device comprising at least one electrochemical conversion cell is provided. The cell is configured to convert first and second reactants to electrical energy and comprises a membrane electrode assembly and at least one membrane reinforcement layer. The combination of elastic modulus and thickness of the reinforcement layer and the bond between the reinforcement layer and the membrane electrode assembly are sufficient to enhance the structural integrity of the membrane electrode assembly beyond the operational degradation threshold of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yeh-Hung Lai, Daniel Miller, Brian A. Litteer, Craig S. Gittleman, Michael K. Budinski
  • Patent number: 7943258
    Abstract: A device to produce electricity by a chemical reaction without the addition of liquid electrolyte comprises an anode electrode, a polymer membrane electrolyte fabricated to conduct hydroxyl (OH—) ions, the membrane being in physical contact with the anode electrode on a first side of the membrane, and a cathode electrode in physical contact with a second side of the membrane. The anode electrode and cathode electrode contain catalysts, and the catalysts are constructed substantially entirely from non-precious metal catalysts. Water may be transferred to the cathode side of the membrane from an external source of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: CellEra, Inc.
    Inventors: Shimshon Gottesfeld, Dario Dekel, Ziv Gottesfeld, Stanislav David Simakov
  • Publication number: 20110111321
    Abstract: A small molecule or polymer additive can be used in preparation of a membrane electrode assembly to improve its durability and performance under low relative humidity in a fuel cell. Specifically, a method of forming a membrane electrode assembly comprising a proton exchange membrane, comprises providing an additive comprising at least two nitrogen atoms to the membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicants: Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Yunsong Yang, Jing Li, Keping Wang
  • Patent number: 7938892
    Abstract: Ionic liquids can be immobilized in a membrane by, for example, bonding to a support such as a matrix, or by inclusion within a gel. Immobilized ionic liquids can be used in a number of applications, such as separation of carbon dioxide or other gases from gas streams. Membranes can be included in electrochemical cells. For example, a membrane can contain sufficient immobilized ionic liquid to reduce ionic current density of at least one of protons and hydroxyl ions, relative to carbon-containing ionic current density. A gas stream containing carbon dioxide can be introduced on a cathode side, while a source of hydrogen gas can be introduced on the anode side of the membrane. Operation of an electrochemical cell with such a membrane can separate the carbon dioxide from the gas stream and provide it at a separate outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Karl Anthony Littau
  • Patent number: 7938891
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide or other gases can be separated from gas streams using ionic liquid, such as in an electrochemical cell. For example, a membrane can contain sufficient ionic liquid to reduce ionic current density of at least one of protons and hydroxyl ions, relative to carbon-containing ionic current density. A gas stream containing carbon dioxide can be introduced on a cathode side, while a source of hydrogen gas can be introduced on the anode side of the membrane. Operation of an electrochemical cell with such a membrane can separate the carbon dioxide from the gas stream and provide it at a separate outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Karl Anthony Littau
  • Patent number: 7935267
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrolyte solution for hydrogen generating apparatus including water; at least one ionizing compound; and at least one cation exchange resin, as well as a hydrogen generating apparatus that includes the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution for hydrogen generating apparatus according to the invention can increase the time and amount of hydrogen generation by reducing an amount of metal hydroxide generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bosung Ku, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Kyoung-Soo Chae, Chang-Ryul Jung
  • Patent number: 7935458
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cartridge with a fuel reservoir containing fuel and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) or a stack. The fuel cartridge is selectively operatively associated with the electronic device to power the device. In one embodiment, the fuel cartridge may be received within a chamber in the electronic device. In another embodiment, the fuel cartridge may be operatively associated with the electronic device while external thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew Curello, Floyd Fairbanks