Membrane-electrode assemblies for electrochemical cells
First Claim
1. A combination electrolyte and electrode structure for an electrochemical cell comprising:
- a) a solid proton conductive polymer electrolyte membrane having first and second spaced apart opposed surfaces and an intermediate region;
b) first and second electrodes each adhered to a respective one of the first and second surfaces of the membrane;
c) the first and second electrodes respectively comprising first and second groups of carbon particles, each one of the carbon particle groups including a plurality of the carbon particles having internal and external surfaces defining a plethora of pores within and between the carbon particles, very finely divided catalytic particles supported on the internal and the external surfaces of the carbon particles, and a proton conductive material intermingled with the carbon particles and the catalytic particles;
d) the first group of the carbon particles forming the first electrode being more hydrophilic than the second group of carbon particles forming the second electrode; and
e) a portion of the carbon particles forming a respective one of the electrodes being at least partially embeded in the membrane.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A combination, unitary, membrane and electrode assembly with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and first and second electrodes at least partially embedded in opposed surfaces of the membrane. The electrodes each comprise a respective group of finely divided carbon particles, very finely divided catalytic particles supported on internal and external surfaces of the carbon particles and a proton conductive material intermingled with the catalytic and carbon particles. A first group of finely divided carbon particles forming the first electrode has greater water attraction and retention properties, and is more hydrophilic than a second group of carbon particles forming the second electrode. In a preferred method, the membrane electrode assembly of the invention is prepared by forming a slurry of proton conductive material and at least one group of the carbon and catalyst particles. The slurry is applied to the opposed surfaces of the membrane and heated while being pressed to the membrane for a time and at a temperature and compressive load sufficient to embed at least a portion of the particles into the membrane.
238 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A combination electrolyte and electrode structure for an electrochemical cell comprising:
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a) a solid proton conductive polymer electrolyte membrane having first and second spaced apart opposed surfaces and an intermediate region; b) first and second electrodes each adhered to a respective one of the first and second surfaces of the membrane; c) the first and second electrodes respectively comprising first and second groups of carbon particles, each one of the carbon particle groups including a plurality of the carbon particles having internal and external surfaces defining a plethora of pores within and between the carbon particles, very finely divided catalytic particles supported on the internal and the external surfaces of the carbon particles, and a proton conductive material intermingled with the carbon particles and the catalytic particles; d) the first group of the carbon particles forming the first electrode being more hydrophilic than the second group of carbon particles forming the second electrode; and e) a portion of the carbon particles forming a respective one of the electrodes being at least partially embeded in the membrane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification