초록 ▼

An improved membrane electrode assembly for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers (40, 44) are disposed, respectively, on both sides of the full planform proton exchange membrane (48). Gas diffusion layers (38, 50) are disposed, respectively, on sides of the catalyst layers (40, 44) not in com

An improved membrane electrode assembly for PEM fuel cells is provided. Catalyst layers (40, 44) are disposed, respectively, on both sides of the full planform proton exchange membrane (48). Gas diffusion layers (38, 50) are disposed, respectively, on sides of the catalyst layers (40, 44) not in communication with the full planform proton exchange membrane (48). Porous substrates (32, 34) are disposed, respectively, on sides of the gas diffusion layers (38, 50) not in communication with the catalyst layers (40, 44). The porous substrates (32, 34) are impregnated at their periphery with a sealant. The gas diffusion layers (38, 50) are coated with a sealant (60, 62) on respective sides thereof in regions which are in communication with sealant impregnated regions (36, 52) of the porous substrates (32, 34). The gas diffusion layers (38, 50), the porous substrates (32, 34), and the catalyst layers (40, 44) are co-extensive with the proton exchange membrane (48). The membrane electrode assembly (10) is continuously manufactured to eliminate step discontinuities and the associated strict tolerance requirements and resultant high scrap rates.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A membrane electrode assembly, comprising:a full planform proton exchange membrane having a central area on both sides thereof;catalyst layers disposed, respectively, on both sides of said full planform proton exchange membrane in a region over said central area;gas diffu

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A membrane electrode assembly, comprising:a full planform proton exchange membrane having a central area on both sides thereof;catalyst layers disposed, respectively, on both sides of said full planform proton exchange membrane in a region over said central area;gas diffusion layers disposed, respectively, on sides of said catalyst layers not in communication with said full planform proton exchange membrane;porous substrates disposed, respectively, on sides of said gas diffusion layers not in communication with said catalyst layers; each of said porous substrates being impregnated at their periphery with a sealant; andsaid gas diffusion layers being coated with a sealant on respective sides thereof in regions which are in communication with sealant impregnated regions of said porous substrates; said gas diffusion layers and said porous substrates being co-extensive with said proton exchange membrane.