CA2808551C - Assembly for reversible fuel cell - Google Patents

Assembly for reversible fuel cell Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2808551C
CA2808551C CA2808551A CA2808551A CA2808551C CA 2808551 C CA2808551 C CA 2808551C CA 2808551 A CA2808551 A CA 2808551A CA 2808551 A CA2808551 A CA 2808551A CA 2808551 C CA2808551 C CA 2808551C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
electrolysis
active area
discrete
energy generation
active
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
CA2808551A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2808551A1 (en
Inventor
Eric Dubois
Hugo Vandenborre
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Solenco Power Nv
Original Assignee
Solvay SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Solvay SA filed Critical Solvay SA
Publication of CA2808551A1 publication Critical patent/CA2808551A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2808551C publication Critical patent/CA2808551C/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/18—Regenerative fuel cells, e.g. redox flow batteries or secondary fuel cells
    • H01M8/184—Regeneration by electrochemical means
    • H01M8/186—Regeneration by electrochemical means by electrolytic decomposition of the electrolytic solution or the formed water product
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/17—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
    • C25B9/19—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
    • C25B9/23—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms comprising ion-exchange membranes in or on which electrode material is embedded
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
    • H01M4/8605—Porous electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
    • H01M4/8636—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells with a gradient in another property than porosity
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M4/00—Electrodes
    • H01M4/86—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
    • H01M4/8647—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells consisting of more than one material, e.g. consisting of composites
    • H01M4/8657—Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells consisting of more than one material, e.g. consisting of composites layered
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/002—Shape, form of a fuel cell
    • H01M8/006—Flat
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/023—Porous and characterised by the material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0202—Collectors; Separators, e.g. bipolar separators; Interconnectors
    • H01M8/023—Porous and characterised by the material
    • H01M8/0241—Composites
    • H01M8/0245—Composites in the form of layered or coated products
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/1016—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
    • H01M8/1018—Polymeric electrolyte materials
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
  • Inert Electrodes (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

A membrane-electrode assembly for use in a reversible fuel cell comprises an ion conductive membrane having first and second surface; a first electrocatalyst layer in contact with the first surface of the membrane said first electrocatalyst layer comprising at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELEi) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EGi). A second electrocatalyst layer is placed in contact with the second surface of the membrane said second electrocatalyst layer comprising at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE2i) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG2i). Each of the discrete electrolysis-active area(s) (ELEi) on the first electrocatalyst layer correspond and are aligned with each of the discrete electrolysis-active area(s) (ELE2i) on the second electrocatalyst layer and each of the discrete energy generation-active area(s) (EGi) on the first electrocatalyst layer correspond and are aligned with each of the discrete energy generation-active area(s) (EG2i) on the second electrocatalyst layer.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR REVERSIBLE FUEL CELL
[0001] [deleted]
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to fuel cells and more specifically to reversible fuel cells and their components.
Background Art
[0003] Fuel cells are electrochemical devices which can convert energy stored in fuels to electrical energy with high efficiencies by oxidation of a fuel and reduction of an oxidizing agent. The fuel and the oxidizing agent, undergo a redox reaction at two isolated electrodes, each containing a catalyst in contact with an electrolyte. The electrolyte is located between the electrodes to prevent direct reaction of the two reactants and to conduct ions from one side of the cell to the other. Advantageously the electrolyte can be a solid polymer electrolyte.
[0004] A broad range of reactants can be used in fuel cells. For example, the fuel may be substantially pure hydrogen gas, a gaseous hydrogen-containing reformate stream, or methanol in a direct methanol fuel cell. The oxidant may be, for example, substantially pure oxygen or a dilute oxygen stream such as air.
[0005] On the other hand, an electrolyzer uses electricity to produce different chemical species, e.g. hydrogen and oxygen from water or chlorine, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen from an alkaline brine. An electrolyzer basically involves a fuel cell operating in reverse.
[0006] Fuel cells that allow reversed operation, such that oxidized fuel can be reduced back to unoxidized fuel using electrical energy as an input, are generally referred to as "reversible" or "regenerative" fuel cells. The ability to generate electricity and regenerate fuel makes reversible fuel cells particularly attractive for electrical energy storage.
[0007] Of particular interest are the so-called unitized regenerative fuel cells, that is reversible fuel cells wherein both the energy generation mode of operation (the fuel cell mode) and the electrolysis mode of operation are carried out within the same cell stack. Because the electroactive components of such a cell must operate in both electrolysis and fuel cell modes, it is difficult to optimize them for both.
[0008] As an example US 2003/0068544 A (CISAR, A.) 10/04/2003 discloses an unitized regenerative hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell wherein the oxygen electrode comprises an electrocatalyst layer containing a mixture of a catalyst active for the evolution of oxygen from water and of a catalyst active for the reduction of oxygen to water. The gas diffusion layer for the oxygen electrode comprises hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. With such a configuration however the transport of water to and from the differently active electrocatalytic areas of the electrode does not appear to be optimal.
[0009] Thus, the need still exists for unitized regenerative fuel cells capable to operate with the highest efficiency both in the fuel cell mode and in the electrolysis mode.
Summary of invention
[0010] A first objective of the present invention is an assembly for use in a reversible fuel cell, in particular in a unitized regenerative fuel cell provided with optimised activity both when the cell is operated in the electrolysis mode and in the energy generation mode. An additional objective of the present invention is a reversible fuel cell comprising the assembly.
[0010a] According to an embodiment, there is provided an assembly for an electrochemical cell comprising: an ion conductive membrane having first and second surface; a first electrocatalyst layer El in contact with the first surface of the membrane said first electrocatalyst layer El comprising at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE1i) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG11); a second electrocatalyst layer E2 in contact with the second surface of the membrane said second electrocatalyst layer E2 comprising at least one discrete electrolysis-active 2a area (ELE2i) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG21); wherein each of the at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE1i) on said first electrocatalyst layer El corresponds and is aligned with each of the at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE2i) on said second electrocatalyst layer E2 and wherein each of the at least one discrete energy generation active area (EGli) on said first electrocatalyst layer El corresponds and is aligned with each of the at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG2i) on said second electrocatalyst layer E2, wherein each discrete electrolysis-active area ELEi is separated from each discrete energy generation-active area EGi by at least one boundary region BR, said boundary region BR being characterized by a different electrical conductivity than the adjacent discrete electrolysis-active and energy generation-active areas and said boundary region BR having no or negligible electrical conductivity, wherein the area of the ion conductive membrane in contact with the electrolysis-active areas on electrocatalyst layers El and E2 is indicated as ICMELE whereas the area of the ion conductive membrane in contact with the energy generation-active areas on electrocatalyst layers El and E2 is indicated as ICMEG, wherein each electrolysis-active area ICMELEi is separated from each energy generation-active area ICMEGI by a boundary region ICMBRJ which corresponds to the boundary region between each electrolysis-active area and each energy generation-active area on the electrocatalyst layers (BR1;
and BR2; respectively), said boundary region ICMBRJ boundary region being characterized by a different ionic conductivity than the adjacent discrete electrolysis-active and energy generation-active areas, and said boundary region ICMBRJ having no or negligible ionic conductivity, and wherein said at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE11) of said first electrocatalyst layer El comprises a different catalyst than said at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EGli) of said first electrocatalyst layer El.
[0010b] According to an embodiment, there is provided a fuel cell comprising the 2b assembly as defined herein.
[0010c] According to an embodiment, there is provided the use of the assembly as defined herein in a reversible fuel cell.
Brief description of drawings
[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section of a membrane-electrode assembly of the invention.
[0012] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic views of the components of a membrane-electrode assembly according to a first and to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the components of an assembly comprising a membrane-electrode assembly and gas diffusion layers according to a further embodiment of the invention.
[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the components of a fuel cell stack comprising a membrane-electrode assembly, gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates according to an additional embodiment of the invention.
Description of invention
[0015] First object of the present invention is a membrane-electrode assembly for a reversible fuel cell. The expression "membrane electrode assembly" is used herein to refer to an assembly which comprises an ion conductive membrane disposed between two electrocatalyst layers, each comprising an appropriate catalyst for facilitating the desired electrochemical reaction, located adjacent the ion conductive membrane.
[0016] With reference to Figure 1, the assembly of the invention (1) comprises an ion conductive membrane ICM having a first and a second surface. A first electrocatalyst layer El is in contact with the first surface of the membrane and a second electrocatalyst layer E2 is in contact with the second surface of the membrane.
[0017] First electrocatalyst layer El comprises at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE1,) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG1,). Second electrocatalyst layer comprises at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE2,) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG2,). Each one of the discrete electrolysis-active area(s) ELE1, on first electrocatalyst layer El corresponds and is aligned with each one of the discrete electrolysis-active area(s) ELE2, on second electrocatalyst layer E2. Each one of the discrete energy generation-active area(s) EG1, on first electrocatalyst layer El corresponds and is aligned with each one of the discrete energy generation-active area(s) EG2, on second electrocatalyst layer E2.
[0018] The expression "corresponds and is aligned with" referred to a discrete area on any element of the assembly of the invention is used herein to indicate that the area has the same size and shape and is aligned with a corresponding area on the surface of the ion conductive membrane or with a corresponding area on the surface of the equivalent element on the opposite side of the ion conductive membrane.
[0019] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the assembly (1) of the invention comprising the ion conductive membrane (ICM) and first and second electrocatalyst layers El and E2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 each electrocatalyst layer comprises one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE1 and ELE2) and one energy generation-active area (EG1 and EG2).
[0020] Each electrocatalyst layer (El and E2) may comprise more than one electrolysis-active area ELE; and more than one energy generation-active area EGi.
[0021] Each electrolysis-active area on the first electrocatalyst layer ELEli corresponds and is aligned with each electrolysis-active area ELEZ on second electrocatalyst layer E2, and each energy generation-active area EGli corresponds and is aligned with each energy generation-active area EGZ.
[0022] The total electrolysis-active area on El (I ELE1 1) equals the total electrolysis-active area on E2 (I ELEZ) and the total energy generation-active area on El (I EGli) equals the total energy generation-active area on E2 (I EGZ). Thus: ELEl= ELEZ and EGli = EGZ.
[0023] There is no limitation on the number, size and shape of the areas of each type EG; and ELE; in the assembly of the invention provided they form discrete, individually distinct areas. In general the size of each area will depend on the size of the assembly although, typically, areas EG; and ELE; will have a surface of at least 0.01 mm2, even of at least 0.1 mm2, possibly even greater than 0.5 mm2.
[0024] The number of each type of area will typically range from 1 to 100, preferably from 1 to 50, more preferably from 1 to 20. The areas may have any shape, although regular shapes may be preferred.
[0025] The sum of all of the discrete electrolysis-active areas ELE1; (or ELE2i), which corresponds to the extension of electrolysis-active area ELE1 when i=1, may be the same or different than the sum of all of the discrete energy generation-active areas on each of the electrocatalyst layers EGli (or EGZ).
[0026] In the case of an assembly for use in a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell typically Z EG1, is greater than Z ELE1, and consequently Z EG2, is greater than Z
ELE2,. Preferably the ratio 1 EGIE ELE, ranges from 1.5:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 2:1 to 4.5 :1, even more preferably from 2.5:1 to 4:1. An even more preferred ratio may be from 2.8:1 to 3.5:1.
[0027] In other types of reversible fuel cells the ratio between the energy generation-active areas and the electrolysis-active areas on each electrocatalyst layers may be different and will typically depend on the voltage generated by the reactions in the two modes of operation of the cell.
[0028] Each discrete electrolysis-active area ELE, is separated from each energy generation-active area EG, by at least one boundary region BR. The number of boundary regions j will depend on the number of energy generation-active areas and electrolysis-active areas as well as on their arrangement on the electrocatalyst layers. The boundary region may be a simple discontinuity in the electrocatalyst layer deriving from the change in composition or morphology between the electrolysis-active area(s) and the adjacent energy generation-active area(s).
[0029] Alternatively, the boundary region BR may be a discrete region characterised by a composition different from the composition of any of the adjacent areas ELE, and EG,. The boundary region BR may advantageously have a different composition than each of the adjacent areas ELE, and EG,. The boundary region may be characterized by a different electrical conductivity than the adjacent areas, e.g. no or negligible electrical conductivity.
[0030] Among the systems that may be used in reversible fuel cells the most environmentally attractive is the hydrogen/oxygen/water system. This system uses the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to produce water when operating in the energy generation mode (or fuel cell mode). Hydrogen and oxygen can be regenerated by the electrolysis of water when the cell operates in the electrolysis mode.
[0031] Hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells may operate both in an acidic environment, using an hydrogen ion conductive membrane, and in an alkaline environment, using an hydroxyl ion conductive membrane.
[0032] The components of the inventive assembly will be described in detail with reference to hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells although it is well understood that the assembly of the invention is by no means limited to the use in hydrogen/oxygen based reversible fuel cells.
[0033] First electrocatalyst layer El
[0034] First electrocatalyst layer El is in contact with the first surface of the ion conductive membrane ICM. First electrocatalyst layer El comprises discrete electrolysis-active area(s) ELE1, and discrete energy generation-active area(s) EG1,. Each discrete electrolysis-active area ELE1, is separated from each energy generation-active area EG1, by at least one boundary region BRIJ.
[0035] Without being limited by this selection and for the sake of description first electrocatalyst layer will be hereinafter described as the oxygen electrode in a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell. When the cell operates in the fuel-cell mode, oxygen will be reduced at the energy generation-active area(s) EG1, producing water. When the cell operates in the electrolysis mode water will be oxidised at the electrolysis-active area(s) ELE1, producing oxygen.
[0036] In general known highly active catalysts for oxygen reduction are poor catalysts for water oxidation and oxygen evolution. Accordingly, the catalyst used in the energy generation-active area(s) EG1, will typically be different from the catalyst used in the electrolysis-active area(s) ELE1, of the oxygen electrode. The choice of catalysts will also be different depending on the operating environment of the cell, whether acidic or alkaline.
[0037] When the cell is operated in an acidic environment, a suitable catalyst for the energy generation-active area(s) EG1, can be selected from metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium and alloys thereof. The catalytically active metals or metal alloys can also contain other elements such as ruthenium, cobalt, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, iron, copper, nickel. The metals may be unsupported or supported on suitable electrically conductive particles. Carbon blacks, graphite or active charcoal may advantageously be used as supports. A preferred catalyst for the energy generation-active area(s) EGli is platinum supported on carbon black.
[0038] Suitable catalysts for the electrolysis-active area(s) ELE11 are mixed metal or mixed metal oxides, comprising for instance ruthenium and iridium oxides or iridium and titanium oxides, optionally supported on carbon black or any other suitable support as discussed above.
[0039] When the cell is operated in an alkaline environment, a suitable catalyst for the energy generation-active area(s) EGli is for instance silver, both supported and unsupported. A suitable catalyst for the electrolysis-active area(s) ELE11 is selected from supported or unsupported nickel. Suitable supports are as discussed above.
[0040] Typically the electrocatalyst layer comprises a binder in addition to the catalyst. The binder may be selected among perfluorinated ionically conductive polymers which are also suitable for the preparation of ion conductive membranes.
[0041] In an embodiment of the assembly of the invention, areas EGli and ELEli on first electrocatalytic layer El may additionally differ in their water affinity characteristics. To improve the presence of water at the surface of electrolysis-active area(s) ELE11, where water is oxidised producing oxygen, a hydrophilic surface may be preferred. On the other hand energy generation-active area(s) EGli are preferably hydrophobic, to facilitate the removal of water which is produced by the reduction of oxygen taking place at the electrocatalyst layer. The different properties could be obtained for instance by using different binders in the preparation of each discrete area on the electrocatalyst layer.
[0042] Second electrocatalyst layer E2
[0043] Second electrocatalyst layer E2 is in contact with the second surface of the ion conductive membrane ICM. Second electrocatalyst layer E2 comprises discrete electrolysis-active area(s) ELEZ and discrete energy generation-active area(s) EGZ. Each discrete electrolysis-active area ELE2, is separated from each energy generation-active area EG2, by at least one boundary region BRZ.
[0044] Second electrocatalyst layer will be hereinafter described as the hydrogen electrode of a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell. Thus, when the cell is operating in the fuel-cell mode hydrogen will be oxidised at the energy generation-active area(s) EG2, producing hydrogen ions. When the cell is operating in the electrolysis mode hydrogen ions will be reduced at the electrolysis-active area(s) ELE2, producing hydrogen.
[0045] Suitable catalysts for the energy generation-active area(s) EG2, in a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell operating in an acidic environment are for instance platinum or equimolar mixtures of rhodium and ruthenium oxides.
Said catalysts may be unsupported or supported as described above.
Additionally, to facilitate the access of hydrogen to the energy generation-active area(s) EG2, said areas may be provided with high permeability to gases. A suitable catalyst for the electrolysis-active area(s) ELE2, is platinum supported on carbon black.
[0046] When the hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell operates in an alkaline environment a suitable catalyst for both the energy generation-active area(s) EG2, and the electrolysis-active area(s) ELE2, is nickel, unsupported or supported as described above.
[0047] Areas EG2, and ELE2, on second electrocatalytic layer E2 may additionally differ in other properties, such as their water affinity characteristics or their gas transmission properties as mentioned above. These different properties could be obtained for instance by using different binders or additives in the preparation of the different areas of the electrocatalytic layer.
[0048] The ion conductive membrane
[0049] The role of the electrolyte in an electrochemical cell is to advantageously allow the passage of ions from one side of the cell to the other to maintain the neutral balance on each side of the cell without allowing the direct reaction of the active species. The electrolyte, or preferably the ion conductive membrane, may be either cationic or anionic in nature.
[0050] In a first design of a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell, operating in an acidic environment, the ion conductive membrane has to allow hydrogen ions to pass through it while at the same creating a barrier towards the permeation of hydrogen and oxygen from one side of the cell to the other.
Thus, in such a cell the electrolyte is anionic in nature.
[0051] In a second design of a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell, operating in an alkaline environment, the ion conductive membrane has to allow hydroxyl ions to pass through it while at the same creating a barrier towards the reactants.
Thus, in such a cell the electrolyte is cationic in nature.
[0052] Typically the ion conductive membrane comprises an ion conductive polymeric material, although ion conductive membranes made of liquids or gels could also be used in the assembly of the invention.
[0053] Any suitable ion conductive polymeric material may be used in the assembly of the present invention. In general, perfluorinated polymers comprising ionic groups are preferably used as ion conductive materials in fuel cells due to their chemical and thermal resistance.
[0054] Anionic polymeric materials are generally selected among the copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and one or more fluorinated monomers comprising an ion exchange group, such as sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, phosphoric acid groups. More generally anionic polymeric materials may be selected among the copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and one or more fluorinated monomers comprising a precursor group for sulfonic acid, such as F2C=CF-0-CF2-CF2-S02F; F2C=CF-0-[CF2-CXF-O]n-CF2-CF2-S02F
wherein X= Cl, F or CF3 and n=1-10; F2C=CF-0-CF2-CF2-CF2-S02F;
F2C=CF-0-CF2_CF2-CF2-CF2-S02F; F2C=CF-Ar-S02F wherein Ar is an aryl ring. Suitable materials are for instance those marketed by E.I.
DuPont under the trade name Nafion , those marketed by Solvay Solexis under the trade name Aquivion or those marketed by Asahi Glass Co.
under the trade name Flemion . Fluorine-free, ion conductive polymeric materials such as sulfonated polyether ketones or aryl ketones or acid-doped polybenzimidazoles could also be used.
[0055] Cationic polymeric materials are generally selected from polymers, preferably fluorinated polymers, comprising amino or acrylic acid ion exchange groups.
[0056] The ion conductive polymeric material typically has an equivalent weight of no more than 1700 g/eq, more typically of no more than 1500 g/eq, more typically of no more than 1200 g/eq, and most typically of no more than 1000 g/eq. The ion conductive polymeric material typically has an equivalent weight of at least 380 g/eq, preferably at of least 500 g/eq, more preferably of at least 600 g/eq.
[0057] EP-A-1323744, EP-A-1179548, EP-A-1167400, EP-A-1589062, EP-A-1702670, EP-A-1702688 disclose suitable ion conductive polymer materials and ion conductive membranes for use in the assembly of the invention.
[0058] The ion conductive membrane may consist of the polymer electrolyte or it may comprise the polymer electrolyte impregnated or coated on a suitable porous support. For instance, US 5635041 describes an impregnated membrane comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support.
Impregnated membranes are also described in US 4849311.
[0059] In a first embodiment of the inventive assembly the ion conductive membrane has the same composition throughout its extension.
[0060] In a second embodiment the ion conductive membrane is divided in discrete areas, typically corresponding and aligned with each of the electrolysis-active area couples (ELE1, and ELE2,) and each of the energy generation-active area couples (EG1, and EG2,) on electrocatalyst layers El and E2 on the first and second surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. The areas may have the same or different composition.
[0061] With reference to Figure 3 the area of the ion conductive membrane in contact with the electrolysis-active areas on electrocatalyst layers El and E2 is indicated as ICMELE whereas the area of the ion conductive membrane in contact with the energy generation-active areas on electrocatalyst layers El and E2 is indicated as ICMEG. It is understood that the number of areas ICMELE and ICMEG on the ion conductive =

membrane will correspond to the number of electrolysis-active areas and energy generation-active areas in the electrocatalyst layers El and E2.
[0062] For instance ion conductive polymeric materials with different equivalent weights could be used in the electrolysis-active areas and energy generation-active areas ICMELEi and ICMEG, of the ion conductive membrane.
[0063] In a further embodiment each electrolysis-active area ICMELE is separated from each energy generation-active area ICMEG; by a boundary region ICMBRJ which will typically correspond to the boundary region between each electrolysis-active area and each energy generation-active area on the electrocatalyst layers (BRIJ and BR2j, respectively).
[0064] Boundary region(s) ICMBRi may be a simple discontinuity in the ion conductive membrane deriving from the change in composition or morphology between the electrolysis-active area(s) and the adjacent generation-active area(s). Alternatively, the boundary region ICMBRi may be a discrete region characterised by a composition different from the composition of any of the adjacent areas ICMELEi and ICMEGi.
[0065] The boundary region ICMBR; may advantageously have a different composition than each of the areas ICMELE, and ICMEGi. The boundary region may be characterized by a different ionic conductivity than the adjacent areas, e.g. no or negligible ionic conductivity. Alternatively the boundary region may have different water affinity properties than the adjacent areas. Still alternatively the boundary region may have different gas transmission properties. For instance, boundary region(s) ICMBR;
could be characterized by lower ionic conductivity and lower water adsorption properties than each of the adjacent areas ICMELEi and ICMEgi.
[0066] Gas diffusion layers
[0067] In a typical fuel cell design gas diffusion layers are placed in contact with each electrocatalyst layer, to bring gaseous reactants (e.g. oxygen and hydrogen) to the electrocatalyst layers and at the same time to create an electrical contact with the remaining components of the fuel cell, e.g bipolar plates. The gas diffusion layers are typically porous to allow the passage of gaseous reactants and they include electrically conductive particles to impart electrical conductivity.
[0068] The assembly of the invention may further comprise a first gas diffusion layer GDL1 in contact with the surface of electrocatalyst layer El not in contact with the ion conductive membrane and a second gas diffusion layer GDL2 in contact with the surface of electrocatalyst layer E2 not in contact with the ion conductive membrane.
[0069] Gas diffusion layers GDL1 and GDL2 may have the same composition and structure or they may be different.
[0070] In an embodiment of the invention gas diffusion layer GDL1 in contact with electrocatalyst layer El is divided in discrete areas, typically corresponding in size and aligned with each of the electrolysis-active areas (GDL1 ELE1) and each of the energy generation-active areas (GDL1EG,) on the first electrocatalyst layer El.
[0071] With reference to Figure 4 the area of the gas diffusion layer in contact with the electrolysis-active area on each of the electrocatalyst layers is indicated as GDLELE whereas the area of the gas diffusion layer in contact with the energy generation-active areas on each of the electrocatalyst layers is indicated as GDLEG. It is understood that, when present, the number of areas GDLELE and GDLEG on the gas diffusion layers will correspond to the number of electrolysis-active areas and energy generation-active areas on the electroactive layers.
[0072] Each electrolysis-active area GDLELE, is separated from each energy generation-active area GDLEG, by a boundary region GDLBRi which will typically correspond to the boundary region between each electrolysis-active area and each energy generation-active area on each of the electroactive layers (BR1 j and BRZ, respectively).
[0073] Boundary region(s) GDLBRJ may be a simple discontinuity in the gas diffusion layer deriving from the change in composition or morphology between the electrolysis-active area(s) and the adjacent generation-active area(s). Alternatively, the boundary region GDLBRi may be a discrete region characterised by a composition different from the composition of any of the adjacent areas GDLELE, and GDLEG,.
[0074] The boundary region GDLBR, may advantageously have a different composition than each of the areas GDLELE, and GDLEGI. The boundary region may be characterized by a different electrical conductivity than the adjacent areas, e.g. no or negligible electrical conductivity. Alternatively the boundary region may have different water affinity properties than the adjacent areas. Still alternatively the boundary region may have different gas transmission properties. For instance, boundary region(s) GDLBR, could be characterized by no or negligible electrical conductivity than each of the adjacent areas GDLELE, and GDLEG,.
[0075] In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 4, gas diffusion layer GDL1 comprises an electrolysis-active area GDL1ELE and an energy generation-active area GDL1EG, separated by a boundary region GDL1 BR.
[0076] To improve to delivery of water to electrolysis-active area ELE1 area GDL1ELE is preferably hydrophilic. Energy generation-active area on the gas diffusion layer GDL1EG may advantageously be hydrophobic.
[0077] Similarly, gas diffusion layer GDL2 comprises an electrolysis-active area GDL2ELE and an energy generation-active area GDL2EG, separated by a boundary region GDL2BR. Areas GDL2ELE and GDL2EG may have the same or different composition and/or properties. Electrolysis-active area GDL2ELE may be hydrophilic and energy generation-active area on the gas diffusion layer GDL2EG may advantageously be hydrophobic.
[0078] Typically GDL2EG will be provided with higher gas transport properties than GDL2ELE to allow the flow of hydrogen towards the surface of the energy generation-active area EG2.
[0079] Preparation of the assembly
[0080] The electrocatalyst layers El and E2 can be applied to the ion conductive membrane or the gas diffusion layers GDL1 and GDL2 by various conventional methods.
[0081] Electrocatalyst layers El and E2 could be applied to the first and second surfaces of the ion conductive membrane by standard coating or printing techniques, using different compositions for each of the electrolysis-active areas ELE, and each of the energy generation-active areas EG,.
[0082] Alternatively, each electrocatalyst layer El and E2 could be applied, using different compositions for each of the electrolysis-active areas ELE, and each of the energy generation-active areas EG,, first to the surface of the corresponding gas diffusion layer (GDL1 or GDL2) and then placed in contact with the first or second surface of the ion conductive membrane using known hot pressing or lamination techniques.
[0083] Several methods could be used to fabricate ion conductive membranes having discrete electrolysis-active areas and energy generation-active areas ICMELE and ICMEG. For instance in the case of membranes comprising an ion conductive polymer impregnated onto a porous support, different ion conductive polymer solutions or dispersions could be used to impregnate different areas of the porous support.
[0084] Alternatively, when the ion conductive membrane is made of an extruded film of the ion conductive polymer, parallel discrete electrolysis-active areas and energy generation-active areas could be directly obtained by extruding different types of ion conductive polymers through appropriate extrusion dies, such as those described in US3807918.
[0085] Gas diffusion layers comprising discrete electrolysis-active areas and energy generation-active areas could be obtained, for example, by bonding alternating strips of hydrophobic and hydrophilic gas diffusion material to an electrocatalyst coated membrane to produce a striped pattern. Alternating bands of gas diffusion materials having different properties could be deposited onto a common substrate.
[0086] Alternatively, sub-assemblies comprising all of the energy generation-active portions of the assembly, that is EG1/ICMEG/EG2 or optionally GDL1EG/EG1 /ICMEG/EG2/GDL2EG, and all of the electrolysis-active portions of the assembly, that is ELE1/ICMELE/ELE1 or GDL1ELE/ELEVICMELE/ELE2/GDL2ELE, could be manufactured separately and then assembled together by means of suitable adhesives or gaskets.
[0087] The assembly of the invention, comprising membrane-electrode assembly (1) sandwiched between gas diffusion layers GDL1 and GDL2 may further comprise a first and a second bipolar plate (BPI and BP2) positioned on each side and in contact with first and second gas diffusion layers, respectively, as shown in Figure 5.
[0088] Bipolar plates are suitably shaped sheets made of electrically conductive materials impervious to the cell reactants, such as graphite or metals.
Bipolar plates are typically provided with grooves and/or channels for distributing reactants to the electrocatalyst layers.
[0089] First and second bipolar plates may each comprise at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (BPELD) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (BPEG;), each of them corresponding in size and aligned with each of the electrolysis-active areas (GDLELEi) and each of the energy generation-active areas (GDLEgi) on the first and second gas diffusion layers.
[0090] An assembly comprising a membrane-electrode assembly, gas diffusion layers and bipolar plates is typically referred to as a fuel cell stack.
Preferably the fuel cell stack of the invention is a single block.
[0091] Additional elements, such as gasket, seals and the like, may be present in the assembly or stack of the invention as conventionally known in the art.
[0092] The assembly of the invention is suitable for use in a reversible fuel cell.
[0093] The assemblies of the invention have been described with reference to the drawings as a planar assembly, however other configurations are possible and within the scope of the present claims, in particular a configuration wherein the discrete energy generation-active and electrolysis-active portions of the assembly would be arranged around the circumference of a cylindrically shaped assembly.

Claims (14)

Claims
1. Assembly for an electrochemical cell comprising: an ion conductive membrane having first and second surface; a first electrocatalyst layer E1 in contact with the first surface of the membrane said first electrocatalyst layer E1 comprising at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE1i) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG1i); a second electrocatalyst layer E2 in contact with the second surface of the membrane said second electrocatalyst layer E2 comprising at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE2i) and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG2i); wherein each of the at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE1i) on said first electrocatalyst layer E1 corresponds and is aligned with each of the at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE2i) on said second electrocatalyst layer E2 and wherein each of the at least one discrete energy generation active area (EG1i) on said first electrocatalyst layer E1 corresponds and is aligned with each of the at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG2i) on said second electrocatalyst layer E2, wherein each discrete electrolysis-active area ELEi is separated from each discrete energy generation-active area EGi by at least one boundary region BRi said boundary region BRi being characterized by a different electrical conductivity than the adjacent discrete electrolysis-active and energy generation-active areas and said boundary region BRi having no or negligible electrical conductivity, wherein the area of the ion conductive membrane in contact with the electrolysis-active areas on electrocatalyst layers E1 and E2 is indicated as ICMELE whereas the area of the ion conductive membrane in contact with the energy generation-active areas on electrocatalyst layers E1 and E2 is indicated as ICMEG, wherein each electrolysis-active area ICMELEi is separated from each energy generation-active area ICMEGi by a boundary region ICMBRj which corresponds to the boundary region between each electrolysis-active area and each energy generation-active area on the electrocatalyst layers (BR1J

and BR2j respectively), said boundary region ICMBRj boundary region being characterized by a different ionic conductivity than the adjacent discrete electrolysis-active and energy generation-active areas, and said boundary region ICMBRj having no or negligible ionic conductivity, and wherein said at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (ELE1i) of said first electrocatalyst layer E1 comprises a different catalyst than said at least one discrete energy generation-active area (EG1i) of said first electrocatalyst layer E1.
2. Assembly according to claim 1 wherein the ion conductive membrane comprises at least one discrete area corresponding and aligned with each of the electrolysis-active areas (ELE1i and ELE2i) on said first and second electrocatalyst layer and at least one discrete area corresponding and aligned with each of the energy generation-active areas (EG1i and EG2i) on said first and second electrocatalyst layer.
3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a first gas diffusion layer (GDL1) in contact with the surface of said first electrocatalyst layer not in contact with the ion conductive membrane and a second gas diffusion layer (GDL2) in contact with the surface of said second electrocatalyst layer E2 not in contact with the ion conductive membrane.
4. Assembly according to claim 3 wherein said first gas diffusion layer (GDL1) comprises at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (GDL1ELEi) corresponding and aligned with each of the at least one electrolysis-active areas on the first electrocatalyst layer E1 and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (GDL1EGi) corresponding and aligned with each of the at least one energy generation-active areas on the first electrocatalyst layer E1.
5. Assembly according to claim 3 or 4 wherein said second gas diffusion layer (GDL2) comprises at least one discrete electrolysis-active area (GDL2ELEi) corresponding and aligned with each of the at least one electrolysis-active areas on the second electrocatalyst layer E2 and at least one discrete energy generation-active area (GDL2EGi) corresponding and aligned with each of the at least one energy generation-active areas on the second electrocatalyst layer E2.
6. Assembly according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the at least one discrete electrolysis-active area on the first and/or second gas diffusion layer is hydrophilic and wherein the at least one discrete energy generation-active area on the first and/or second gas diffusion layer is hydrophobic.
7. Assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 6 further comprising a first bipolar plate in contact with the first gas diffusion layer and a second bipolar plate in contact with the second gas diffusion layer, said first and second bipolar plates each comprising at least one discrete energy generation-active area and at least one discrete electrolysis-active area corresponding and aligned with each of the at least one electrolysis-active and energy generation-active areas on the first and second gas diffusion layers.
8. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said at least one boundary region has a composition different from the composition of any of the adjacent energy generation-active areas and electrolysis-active areas.
9. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said electrolysis-active areas on said first and second electrocatalyst layers comprise catalysts suitable for the electrolysis of water.
10. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said energy generation-active areas on said first and second electrocatalyst layers comprise catalysts suitable for the production of water from hydrogen and oxygen.
11. Assembly according to claims 8 or 9 wherein the ratio between the sum of all of the discrete energy generation-active areas on said first or second electrocatalyst layer and the sum of all of the discrete electrolysis-active areas on said first or second electrocatalyst layer is in the range from 1.5:

to 5: 1.
12. Assembly according to claim 11 wherein the ratio is in the range from 2.8:1 to 3.5:1.
13. Fuel cell comprising the assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. Use of the assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in a reversible fuel cell.
CA2808551A 2010-08-30 2011-08-23 Assembly for reversible fuel cell Active CA2808551C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10174543A EP2424015A1 (en) 2010-08-30 2010-08-30 Assembly for reversible fuel cell
EP10174543.8 2010-08-30
PCT/EP2011/064429 WO2012028491A1 (en) 2010-08-30 2011-08-23 Assembly for reversible fuel cell

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2808551A1 CA2808551A1 (en) 2012-03-08
CA2808551C true CA2808551C (en) 2018-07-10

Family

ID=43481627

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2808551A Active CA2808551C (en) 2010-08-30 2011-08-23 Assembly for reversible fuel cell

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US9214694B2 (en)
EP (2) EP2424015A1 (en)
JP (1) JP5809274B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101884958B1 (en)
CN (2) CN103210534A (en)
CA (1) CA2808551C (en)
ES (1) ES2706386T3 (en)
PL (1) PL2612390T3 (en)
PT (1) PT2612390T (en)
TW (1) TWI595699B (en)
WO (1) WO2012028491A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8617403B1 (en) 2013-06-25 2013-12-31 Blue Earth Labs, Llc Methods and stabilized compositions for reducing deposits in water systems
DE102014208575A1 (en) 2014-05-07 2015-11-12 Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. Gas diffusion electrode and its use
BE1023849B9 (en) 2016-05-26 2017-11-21 Solar Energy Conversion Power Corp Nv Aquaponic Unit
CN108461787B (en) * 2017-02-17 2020-01-03 中国科学院金属研究所 Preparation method of integrated composite membrane for all-vanadium redox flow battery
CN107546401B (en) * 2017-07-28 2020-03-17 上海交通大学 Bidirectional reversible fuel cell system
US20220407098A1 (en) 2021-06-16 2022-12-22 Hydrolite Ltd Self-refueling power-generating systems
KR102280859B1 (en) * 2019-09-03 2021-07-23 한국과학기술연구원 High temperature-type unitized regenerative fuel cell using water vapor and method of operating the same
FR3122438B3 (en) * 2021-04-30 2024-11-08 John Cockerill Hydrogen Belgium Electrolysis unit for filter press type electrolyser
US11888196B2 (en) 2021-06-16 2024-01-30 Hydrolite Ltd Self-refueling power-generating systems
EP4343027A1 (en) * 2022-05-25 2024-03-27 Finow Automotive GmbH Electrolyzer for producing hydrogen and method for the production of hydrogen, and use of the electrolyser
US12444763B2 (en) 2022-06-20 2025-10-14 L&T Technology Services Limited Mode selective electrode assembly, unitized regenerative fuel cell comprising the same and method thereof
IL309127A (en) 2022-12-06 2024-07-01 Hydrolite Ltd Self-fueling power generation systems
EP4621098A1 (en) * 2024-03-19 2025-09-24 Finow Automotive Eberswalde GmbH Electrolyzer for producing hydrogen and method for the production of hydrogen

Family Cites Families (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3807918A (en) 1971-02-12 1974-04-30 Chevron Res Extrusion die for forming a multicomponent continuous film of thermoplastic polymer
US4849311A (en) 1986-09-24 1989-07-18 Toa Nenryo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Immobilized electrolyte membrane
JPH07161359A (en) * 1993-12-10 1995-06-23 Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo Kk Gas diffusion electrode
US5547551A (en) 1995-03-15 1996-08-20 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Ultra-thin integral composite membrane
JPH08283979A (en) * 1995-04-10 1996-10-29 Permelec Electrode Ltd Gas diffusing electrode and electrolytic method using the electrode
US5945232A (en) 1998-04-03 1999-08-31 Plug Power, L.L.C. PEM-type fuel cell assembly having multiple parallel fuel cell sub-stacks employing shared fluid plate assemblies and shared membrane electrode assemblies
IT1318593B1 (en) 2000-06-23 2003-08-27 Ausimont Spa FLUORINATED IONOMERS.
IT1318669B1 (en) 2000-08-08 2003-08-27 Ausimont Spa SULPHONIC FLUORINATED IONOMERS.
JP4232137B2 (en) * 2001-05-08 2009-03-04 スズキ株式会社 Fuel cell
US6838205B2 (en) 2001-10-10 2005-01-04 Lynntech, Inc. Bifunctional catalytic electrode
ITMI20012746A1 (en) 2001-12-21 2003-06-21 Ausimont Spa FLUORINATED IONOMERS
FR2854278A1 (en) * 2003-04-25 2004-10-29 Commissariat Energie Atomique Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell assembly for e.g. space and maritime applications, has basic cell with first zone functioning as fuel cell and second zone functioning as water electrolyzer, where zones share common electrolyte
US7485211B2 (en) * 2003-10-10 2009-02-03 Ohio University Electro-catalysts for the oxidation of ammonia in alkaline media
JP4229846B2 (en) 2004-01-08 2009-02-25 名古屋メッキ工業株式会社 How to apply oil to processed products
ITMI20040789A1 (en) 2004-04-22 2004-07-22 Solvay Solexis Spa FLUORINATED MEMBRANES
US7632587B2 (en) * 2004-05-04 2009-12-15 Angstrom Power Incorporated Electrochemical cells having current-carrying structures underlying electrochemical reaction layers
ITMI20050444A1 (en) 2005-03-17 2006-09-18 Solvay Solexis Spa IONOMERIC MEMBRANE
JP4434090B2 (en) * 2005-06-28 2010-03-17 株式会社エクォス・リサーチ Fuel cell device
US7722979B2 (en) * 2005-10-14 2010-05-25 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Fuel cells with hydrophobic diffusion medium
US20070105008A1 (en) * 2005-10-25 2007-05-10 Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies Pte. Ltd Thin film fuel cell assembly
JP2009038014A (en) * 2007-07-06 2009-02-19 Toshiba Corp Fuel cell and fuel cell manufacturing method
US20090130527A1 (en) * 2007-11-21 2009-05-21 Angstrom Power Incorporated Planar fuel cell having catalyst layer with improved conductivity
FR2937478A1 (en) * 2008-10-22 2010-04-23 Commissariat Energie Atomique Electric direct current-direct current converter for e.g. micro-electro-mechanical system, has current collectors collecting electric direct current generated by fuel cell, and water supply unit supplying water to anode of electrolyzer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN108539209A (en) 2018-09-14
EP2424015A1 (en) 2012-02-29
CN103210534A (en) 2013-07-17
TW201222960A (en) 2012-06-01
PT2612390T (en) 2019-01-23
PL2612390T3 (en) 2019-05-31
KR20130098352A (en) 2013-09-04
WO2012028491A1 (en) 2012-03-08
US20130146471A1 (en) 2013-06-13
EP2612390A1 (en) 2013-07-10
EP2612390B1 (en) 2018-10-17
JP5809274B2 (en) 2015-11-10
ES2706386T3 (en) 2019-03-28
JP2013536976A (en) 2013-09-26
US9214694B2 (en) 2015-12-15
KR101884958B1 (en) 2018-08-30
CA2808551A1 (en) 2012-03-08
TWI595699B (en) 2017-08-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2808551C (en) Assembly for reversible fuel cell
US8614027B2 (en) Membrane-electrode assembly with integrated sealing material
US20040091767A1 (en) Catalyst-coated ionomer membrane with protective film layer and membrane-electrode-assembly made thereof
CA2864082C (en) Membrane electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cell
CN101385174B (en) Membrane catalyst layer assembly, membrane electrode assembly, and polymer electrolyte fuel cell
US20070292742A1 (en) Fuel Cell System
US20220102746A1 (en) Fuel cells with enhanced carbon monoxide tolerance catalyst layer using composite catalyst
US20100009232A1 (en) Fuel cell assembly
JP2010170892A (en) Fuel cell
US20070292743A1 (en) Anode Structure
JP2018055945A (en) Fuel cell stack
JP2002110190A (en) Fuel cell
US20230099815A1 (en) Fuel cells with improved membrane life
CN116472625A (en) Improvement of Durability of Fuel Cell Metal Bipolar Plates

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request

Effective date: 20160722

MPN Maintenance fee for patent paid

Free format text: FEE DESCRIPTION TEXT: MF (PATENT, 13TH ANNIV.) - STANDARD

Year of fee payment: 13

U00 Fee paid

Free format text: ST27 STATUS EVENT CODE: A-4-4-U10-U00-U101 (AS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE); EVENT TEXT: MAINTENANCE REQUEST RECEIVED

Effective date: 20240812

U11 Full renewal or maintenance fee paid

Free format text: ST27 STATUS EVENT CODE: A-4-4-U10-U11-U102 (AS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE); EVENT TEXT: MAINTENANCE FEE PAYMENT PAID IN FULL

Effective date: 20240812

W00 Other event occurred

Free format text: ST27 STATUS EVENT CODE: A-4-4-W10-W00-W100 (AS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE); EVENT TEXT: LETTER SENT

Effective date: 20251223

H13 Ip right lapsed

Free format text: ST27 STATUS EVENT CODE: N-4-6-H10-H13-H100 (AS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE); EVENT TEXT: MAINTENANCE FEE AND LATE FEE NOT PAID BY DEADLINE OF NOTICE

Effective date: 20260408