JP2020035651A - Solid polymer fuel cell - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a solid polymer fuel cell including a fuel electrode and an air electrode having excellent catalytic activity, without using a platinum group metal.SOLUTION: A fuel electrode and an air electrode are transition metal lamination electrodes of porous structure where an austenitic stainless, Ni and Cu, selected so that the composite work function of predetermined metals is approximate to the work function of a platinum group metal are the raw material, and an alloy metal transmission metal fine powder mixture, produced by uniformly mixing and dispersing stainless alloy fine powder, Ni metal fine powder and Cu metal fine powder is compressed into sheet metal shape of a prescribed area, and calcined to form a large number of fine ducts. In the fuel electrode and the air electrode, weight ratios of the stainless alloy fine powder, Ni metal fine powder and Cu metal fine powder to the total weight of the transmission metal fine powder mixture are determined so that the composite work function of the stainless alloy fine powder, Ni metal fine powder and Cu metal fine powder is approximate to the work function of a platinum group metal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including a cell stack having a plurality of cells.

  A solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode and a cathode electrode sandwiching the solid polymer electrolyte membrane from both sides, a fuel container containing a liquid fuel, and a gas-liquid separating porous provided between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. A fuel vaporizing layer composed of a body, and a perforated fixing plate sandwiching the fuel vaporizing layer from both sides, and the aperture ratio of the perforated fixing plate disposed on the cathode electrode side is equal to that of the perforated fixing plate disposed on the anode electrode side. A solid polymer fuel cell having a larger aperture ratio is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-222119 A

The method for producing the cathode electrode and the anode electrode of the solid polymer fuel cell disclosed in Patent Document 1 is as follows. A catalyst-supporting carbon fine particle in which 55% by weight of platinum fine particles having a particle diameter in a range of 3 to 5 nm is supported on the carbon particle, and an appropriate amount of a 5% by weight Nafion solution is added to 1 g of the catalyst-supporting carbon fine particle, followed by stirring. Make a catalyst paste for the cathode electrode. A catalyst paste for a cathode electrode is applied on carbon paper as a base material in an amount of 8 mg / cm ² , and then dried to produce a 4 cm × 4 cm cathode electrode. Next, catalyst-loaded carbon fine particles carrying 55% by weight of platinum (Pt) -ruthenium (Ru) alloy fine particles (Ru ratio: 60 at%) having a particle diameter in the range of 3 to 5 nm instead of platinum fine particles. And an appropriate amount of a 5% by weight Nafion solution is added to 1 g of the catalyst-supporting carbon fine particles, followed by stirring to prepare a catalyst paste for an anode electrode. An anode electrode catalyst paste is applied on carbon paper as a base material in an amount of 8 mg / cm ² , and then dried to produce a 4 cm × 4 cm anode electrode.

  Various platinum-supported carbons are widely used as electrode catalysts for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. However, the platinum group element is a noble metal and is a scarce resource with a limited production amount. Therefore, it is required to reduce the amount of the platinum group element used. Further, with the spread of polymer electrolyte fuel cells in the future, development of inexpensive electrodes having a non-platinum catalyst using a metal other than expensive platinum is required.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel electrode and an air electrode having excellent catalytic activity (catalysis) without using a platinum group element, and to generate sufficient electricity using a non-platinum fuel electrode and an air electrode. It is an object of the present invention to provide a polymer electrolyte fuel cell capable of supplying sufficient electric energy to a load.

  A feature of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is that the polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a cell stack having a plurality of cells, and the cells are located between the fuel electrode and the air electrode, and between the fuel electrode and the air electrode. Electrode assembly film, and a separator located outside the fuel electrode and outside the air electrode, the fuel electrode and the air electrode have a work function of a platinum group element in which the composite work function of the work function of a predetermined metal is Using austenitic stainless steel, Ni, and Cu selected to approximate to, austenitic stainless steel finely pulverized stainless alloy fine powder, Ni finely pulverized Ni metal fine powder, and Cu finely pulverized Cu metal fine powder A transition metal with a porous structure in which an alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture in which a body is uniformly mixed and dispersed is compressed into a thin plate having a predetermined area and then fired to form a number of fine channels. At the fuel electrode and the air electrode, the transition metal is used so that the composite work function of the work functions of the stainless alloy fine powder, the Ni metal fine powder, and the Cu metal fine powder is close to the work function of the platinum group element. The weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder, the weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder, and the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder to the total weight of the fine powder mixture are determined.

  As an example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, the weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture is in the range of 47 to 49%, The weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder to the total weight of the body mixture is in the range of 47 to 49%, and the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder to the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture is 2 to 6%. In range.

  In another example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention, the thickness of the porous transition metal sheet electrode, which is the fuel electrode and the air electrode, is in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm.

  As another example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, the porosity of the porous transition metal sheet electrode, which is the fuel electrode and the air electrode, is in the range of 15% to 30%.

As another example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, the density of the transition metal sheet electrodes of porous structure is a fuel electrode and an air electrode is in the range of 5.0g ^/ cm ² ~7.0g / cm 2 is there.

  As another example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, the particle diameter of the fine stainless alloy powder, the fine Ni metal powder, and the fine Cu metal powder is in the range of 10 μm to 200 μm.

  As another example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, in the case of a porous transition metal thin plate electrode that is a fuel electrode and an air electrode, most of the alloy metal metal fine powder mixture compressed into a thin plate having a predetermined area is fired. The Cu metal fine powder having a low melting point is melted, and the stainless alloy fine powder and the Ni metal fine powder are joined using the melted Cu metal fine powder as a binder.

  As another example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, the austenitic stainless steel is at least one of SUS304, SUS316 and SUS340, and the stainless alloy fine powder is SUS304 alloy fine powder and SUS316 alloy fine powder. At least one of a body and SUS340 alloy fine powder.

  As another example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the atmosphere of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode is in the range of 95% to 100% relative humidity, and the temperature of hydrogen is 45%. C. to 55.degree.

  As another example of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention, in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the supply pressure of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode is in the range of +0.06 MPa to +0.08 MPa.

  According to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention, the fuel electrode and the air electrode used for the austenite are selected such that the composite work function of the work function of a predetermined metal is close to the work function of a platinum group element. Austenitic stainless steel alloy powder made of austenitic stainless steel, Ni metal fine powder and Cu metal fine powder made of Cu A porous transition metal thin plate electrode in which a uniformly mixed and dispersed alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture is compressed into a thin plate having a predetermined area and then fired to form a large number of fine channels (passage holes). The composite work function of the stainless alloy fine powder, the Ni metal fine powder, and the Cu metal fine powder is adjusted so that the work function of the alloy metal approximates the work function of the platinum group element. Since the weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder, the weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder, and the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder with respect to the total weight of the transferred metal fine powder mixture are determined, the fuel electrode and the air electrode use the platinum group element. The fuel electrode and the air electrode have excellent catalytic activity (catalysis), and the fuel electrode and the air electrode have substantially the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as the electrode containing a platinum group element. ), Sufficient electricity can be generated by using the non-platinum fuel electrode and the air electrode, and sufficient electric energy can be supplied to the load connected to the fuel cell. In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the fuel electrode and the air electrode are made of austenitic stainless steel, Ni and Cu, the expensive platinum group element is not used, and the fuel electrode and the air electrode are non-platinum electrodes. Therefore, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell can be manufactured at low cost.

  The weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture is in the range of 47 to 49%, and the weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture is 47. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder to the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal powder mixture of 2 to 6% is in the range of from about 49% to about 49%. By setting the weight ratio of the fine powder of stainless alloy, the weight ratio of the fine powder of Ni metal, and the weight ratio of the fine powder of Cu metal to the total weight of the body mixture within the above ranges, the fine powder of stainless steel, the fine powder of Ni metal, and the fine powder of Cu metal can be obtained. The work function of the body and the work function of the platinum group element can be approximated to the work function of the platinum group element. By having a function, the fuel electrode and the air electrode have excellent catalytic activity (catalysis), and the fuel electrode and the air electrode exhibit almost the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as an electrode containing a platinum group element. Sufficient electricity can be generated using the non-platinum fuel electrode and the air electrode, and sufficient electric energy can be supplied to the load connected to the fuel cell.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which the thickness of the porous transition metal sheet electrode serving as the fuel electrode and the air electrode is in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm, the thickness of the fuel electrode and the air electrode is set in the above range. Thus, the electric resistance of the fuel electrode and the air electrode can be reduced, and the current can flow smoothly to the fuel electrode and the air electrode. In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a fuel electrode and an air electrode have almost the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as an electrode containing a platinum group element, and current flows smoothly to the fuel electrode and the air electrode. Sufficient electricity can be generated using the fuel electrode and the air electrode, and sufficient electric energy can be supplied to the load connected to the fuel cell.

  The polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which the porosity of the porous transition metal sheet electrode, which is the fuel electrode and the air electrode, is in the range of 15% to 30%, by setting the porosity of the transition metal sheet electrode to the above range, The fuel electrode and the air electrode are formed into a porous body having a large number of fine channels (passage holes), and the specific surface area of the fuel electrode and the air electrode can be increased. It is possible to widely contact the contact surfaces of the fuel electrode and the air electrode in those flow paths, and the fuel electrode and the air electrode surely exhibit almost the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as the platinum group element, and the non-platinum fuel Sufficient electricity can be generated using the pole and the cathode, and sufficient electric energy can be supplied to the load connected to the fuel cell.

Polymer electrolyte fuel cell density of the transition metal sheet electrodes of porous structure is a fuel electrode and an air electrode is in the range of 5.0g ^/ cm ² ~7.0g / cm 2, the density of the transition metal sheet electrodes By setting the range, the fuel electrode and the air electrode are formed into a porous body having a large number of fine channels (passage holes), and the specific surface area of the fuel electrode and the air electrode can be increased. Allows the gas to come into wide contact with the contact surfaces of the fuel electrode and air electrode in these flow paths while flowing, and the fuel electrode and air electrode reliably exhibit almost the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as the platinum group elements However, sufficient electricity can be generated using the non-platinum fuel electrode and the air electrode, and sufficient electric energy can be supplied to the load connected to the fuel cell.

  The polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which the particle size of the stainless alloy fine powder, the Ni metal fine powder, and the Cu metal fine powder is in the range of 10 μm to 200 μm is made of a stainless alloy fine powder, a Ni metal fine powder, and a Cu metal fine powder. By setting the particle diameter in the above range, the fuel electrode and the air electrode are formed into a porous body having a large number of fine channels (passage holes), and the specific surface area of the fuel electrode and the air electrode can be increased. It is possible to cause the gas to come into wide contact with the contact surfaces of the fuel electrode and the air electrode in the flow path while the gas flows through the flow path, and the fuel electrode and the air electrode have almost the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as the platinum group element. , And sufficient electricity can be generated using the non-platinum fuel electrode and air electrode, and sufficient electric energy can be supplied to the load connected to the fuel cell.

  The Cu metal fine powder having the lowest melting point is melted during firing of the metal fine powder mixture compressed into a thin plate having a predetermined area, and the stainless alloy fine powder and the Ni metal fine powder are joined using the melted Cu metal fine powder as a binder. The solid polymer fuel cell has a porous structure having a large number of fine flow paths (passage holes) by bonding stainless alloy fine powder and Ni metal fine powder using Cu metal fine powder having the highest melting point as a binder. Despite this, the anode and cathode have high strength and can maintain their shape, so it is possible to use the catalytic function of the anode and cathode sufficiently and reliably and it is excellent. Sufficient electric energy can be generated by using a non-platinum fuel electrode or air electrode having excellent catalytic activity (catalysis), and sufficient electric energy for the load connected to the fuel cell. It can be supplied.

  A solid polymer in which the austenitic stainless steel is at least one of SUS304, SUS316 and SUS340, and the fine stainless alloy powder is at least one of SUS304 alloy fine powder, SUS316 alloy fine powder and SUS340 alloy fine powder. The fuel cell may include at least one of SUS 304, SUS 316, and SUS 340 in which the anode and cathode used in the fuel cell are selected such that the composite work function of the work function of the predetermined metal is close to the work function of the platinum group element. And Ni and Cu as raw materials, and the fuel electrode and the air electrode uniformly mix at least one of SUS304 alloy fine powder, SUS316 alloy fine powder, SUS340 alloy fine powder, Ni metal fine powder and Cu metal fine powder. Dispersed alloy / metal transition metal powder mixture Is a porous transition metal thin plate electrode in which a large number of fine flow paths (passage holes) are formed by compressing into a thin plate having a predetermined area and then baking to form a stainless steel fine powder, a Ni metal fine powder, and a Cu metal fine powder. The weight ratio of stainless alloy fine powder, the weight ratio of Ni metal fine powder and the weight ratio of Ni metal fine powder with respect to the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture, so that the work function of the work function approximates the work function of the platinum group element. Since the weight ratio of the metal fine powder is determined, the fuel electrode and the air electrode have substantially the same work function as the electrode containing the platinum group element, and the fuel electrode and the air electrode have excellent catalytic activity (catalysis). Having a fuel electrode and an air electrode exhibit substantially the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as an electrode containing a platinum group element to generate sufficient electricity using a non-platinum fuel electrode and an air electrode Can, fuel cell It is possible to supply enough electrical energy to the connected load.

  In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which the atmosphere of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode is in the range of 95% to 100% relative humidity and the temperature of hydrogen is in the range of 45 ° C to 55 ° C, the relative humidity is 95% to 100%. By supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode at an atmosphere of 45 ° C. and supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode at a temperature of 45 ° C. to 55 ° C., the catalytic activity of the fuel electrode increases, the electromotive force of the fuel cell improves, Sufficient electricity can be reliably generated using the fuel electrode and the air electrode, and sufficient electric energy can be reliably supplied to the load connected to the fuel cell.

  In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which the supply pressure of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode is in the range of +0.06 MPa to +0.08 MPa, hydrogen is supplied to the fuel electrode at a supply pressure of +0.06 MPa to +0.08 MPa. In addition, the catalytic activity of the fuel electrode increases, the electromotive force of the fuel cell improves, and sufficient electric power can be reliably generated using the non-platinum fuel electrode and the air electrode. Enough electric energy can be reliably supplied.

1 is a perspective view of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell shown as an example. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a cell forming a cell stack. The side view of a cell. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fuel electrode and an air electrode shown as an example. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged front view showing an example of a fuel electrode and an air electrode. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged front view showing another example of the fuel electrode and the air electrode. FIG. 4 illustrates power generation of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The figure which shows the result of the electromotive force test of a fuel electrode and an air electrode. The figure which shows the result of the IV characteristic test of a fuel electrode and an air electrode. The figure explaining the manufacturing method of a fuel electrode and an air electrode.

  The details of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings such as FIG. 1 which is a perspective view of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 shown as an example. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the cell 11 forming the cell stack 12, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the cell 11. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 shown as an example, and FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged front view showing the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 as an example. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged front view showing another example of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14. In FIG. 4, the thickness direction is indicated by an arrow X, and the radial direction is indicated by an arrow Y.

  The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 includes a cell stack 12 (fuel cell stack) having a plurality of cells 11, and generates electric energy by supplying hydrogen and oxygen. In the cell stack 12, a plurality of cells 11 (single cells) overlap in one direction and are connected in series. As an example of the cell 11, as shown in FIG. 2, a fuel electrode 13 (anode) and an air electrode 14 (cathode) and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 15 located (interposed) between the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (Simulated electrode assembly) (Fluorine ion exchange membrane having a sulfonic acid group), separator 16 (bipolar plate) located outside in thickness direction of fuel electrode 13, and separator 17 located outside in thickness direction of air electrode 14 (Bipolar plate).

  In the separators 16 and 17, a supply flow path for a reaction gas (hydrogen, oxygen, or the like) is carved (engraved). In the cell 11, as shown in FIG. 3, the fuel electrode 13, the air electrode 14, and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 15 are overlapped and integrated in the thickness direction to form a membrane / electrode assembly 18 (Membrane Electrode Assembly, MEA). The separator 16 and 17 sandwich the membrane / electrode assembly 18. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 15 has proton conductivity and no electronic conductivity.

  A gas diffusion layer 19 is formed between the fuel electrode 13 and the separator 16, and a gas diffusion layer 20 is formed between the air electrode 14 and the separator 17. A gas seal 21 is provided between the fuel electrode 13 and the separator 16 and above and below the gas diffusion layer 20. A gas seal 22 is provided between the air electrode 14 and the separator 17 and above and below the gas diffusion layer 20.

  The fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 used in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 (cell 11) have a front surface 23 and a rear surface 24, have a predetermined area and a predetermined thickness L1, and have a square planar shape. It is molded into. The fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are transition metal thin plate electrodes 26 (alloy metal transition metal thin plate electrodes) having a porous structure (porous) having a large number of fine channels 25 (passage holes). Gas (gas) flows through the flow path 25 (passage hole). The planar shapes of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are not particularly limited, and may be formed into any other planar shape such as a circle or an ellipse according to the application in addition to a square.

  The fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (transition metal thin plate electrode 26 having a porous structure) have a work function of a predetermined metal (transition metal) (energy required to extract electrons from a substance) having a work function of a platinum group element. The raw materials are austenitic stainless steel 31 (alloy transition metal), Ni32 (nickel) (metal transition metal), and Cu33 (copper) (metal transition metal) selected to approximate the work function. For the austenitic stainless steel 31, at least one of SUS304, SUS316 and SUS340 is used. As the austenitic stainless steel 31, SUS304 is preferably used, but any of SUS316, SUS340, SUS304 + SUS316, SUS304 + SUS340, SUS304 + SUS316 + SUS340 can be used. The work function of SUS304 is 4.7 (eV), the work function of SUS316 is 4.85 (eV), the work function of SUS340 is 4.76 (eV), and the work function of Ni32 is 5.22 (eV). ), And the work function of Cu33 is 5.10 (eV).

  The fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are made of stainless steel fine powder 34 (fine austenitic stainless steel) obtained by finely pulverizing austenitic stainless steel 31, Ni metal fine powder 35 (fine powdered Ni) obtained by finely pulverizing Ni32, and Cu33. An alloy / metal transition metal fine powder compressed product is obtained by compressing an alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 in which finely pulverized Cu metal fine powder 36 (fine powder Cu) is uniformly mixed and dispersed into a thin plate having a predetermined area. 38, and is made by firing the compressed alloy / metal transition metal powder 38 (see FIG. 10).

  As the stainless alloy fine powder 34, at least one of SUS304 alloy fine powder, SUS316 alloy fine powder, and SUS340 alloy fine powder is used. As the stainless alloy fine powder 34, it is preferable to use SUS304 alloy fine powder (fine powder SUS304) obtained by finely pulverizing SUS304, but SUS316 alloy fine powder (fine SUS316) obtained by finely pulverizing SUS316 and SUS340 are preferably used. Any of crushed SUS340 alloy fine powder (fine SUS340), SUS304 alloy fine powder + SUS316 alloy fine powder, SUS304 alloy fine powder + SUS340 alloy fine powder, SUS304 alloy fine powder + SUS316 alloy fine powder + SUS340 alloy fine powder Can also.

  At the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (porous transition metal thin plate electrode 26), the Cu metal fine powder 36 having the lowest melting point is melted when the alloy-metal fine powder mixture 37 compressed into a thin plate having a predetermined area is fired. The stainless alloy fine powder 34 and the Ni metal fine powder 35 are joined using the molten Cu metal fine powder 36 as a binder. The melting point of the austenitic stainless steel 31 (SUS304, SUS316, SUS340) is 1400-1450 ° C, the melting point of Ni32 is 1455 ° C, and the melting point of Cu33 is 1084.5 ° C.

  The work function of the stainless alloy fine powder 34 (at least one of SUS304 alloy fine powder, SUS316 alloy fine powder, and SUS340 alloy fine powder) at the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (porous transition metal sheet electrode 26). Stainless steel based on the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 so that the composite work function of the work function of the Ni metal fine powder 35 and the work function of the Cu metal fine powder 36 approximates the work function of the platinum group element. The weight ratio of the alloy fine powder 34 is determined, the weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder 35 to the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is determined, and the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is determined. The weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36 to the weight is determined.

  The weight ratio of the fine stainless alloy powder 34 to the total weight (100%) of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is in the range of 47 to 49%, preferably 48%. The weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder 35 to the total weight (100%) of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is in the range of 47 to 49%, preferably 48%. The weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36 to the total weight (100%) of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is in the range of 2 to 6%, preferably 4%.

  When the weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36 are out of the above ranges, the work function of the fine powders 34 to 36 is changed to the work function of the platinum group element. And the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 formed by compressing and firing the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 have substantially the same catalytic activity (catalytic action) as an electrode containing a platinum group element. ) Can not be demonstrated.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, the weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36 to the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal By setting the range, the composite work function of the work functions of the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 can be approximated to the work function of the platinum group element. The electrode 14 has substantially the same work function as an electrode containing a platinum group element, the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 have excellent catalytic activity (catalysis), and the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 By exhibiting substantially the same catalytic activity (catalytic action) as the electrodes included, sufficient electricity can be generated using the non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14, and the load connected to the fuel cell 10 can be generated. 0 minutes electrical energy can be supplied.

  The fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (porous transition metal thin plate electrode 26) are formed with a large number of fine channels 25 (passage holes) having different diameters. Since the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 have a large number of fine channels 25 (passage holes), their specific surface areas are large. The flow passages 25 (passage holes) have a plurality of flow openings 27 opening on the front surface 23 and a plurality of flow openings 27 opening on the rear surface 24. The fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 penetrate from the front surface 23 toward the rear surface 24 between the flow port 27 and the flow port 27 on the rear surface 24.

  The flow passages 25 extend between the front surface 23 and the rear surface 24 of the fuel electrode 13 or the air electrode 14 while being bent irregularly in the thickness direction of the fuel electrode 13 or the air electrode 14. The electrode 14 extends from the outer peripheral edge 28 of the electrode 14 toward the center thereof while being bent irregularly in the radial direction of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14. The flow paths 25 that are adjacent to each other in the radial direction and extend in the thickness direction are partially connected in the radial direction, and one flow path 25 and the other flow path 25 communicate with each other. The flow paths 24 that extend adjacent to the thickness direction and bend in the radial direction are partially connected in the thickness direction, and one flow path 25 and the other flow path 25 communicate with each other.

  The opening areas (opening diameters) of the flow passages 25 (passage holes) are not uniform in the thickness direction, are irregularly changed in the thickness direction, and are not uniform in the radial direction. , Changing irregularly in the radial direction. The channels 25 are irregularly opened in the thickness direction and the radial direction while their opening area (opening diameter) is increased or decreased. The opening area (opening diameter) of the flow opening 27 opened on the front surface 23 and the flow opening 27 opened on the rear surface 24 are not uniform, and the areas are all different. The opening diameters of the flow paths 25 (passage holes) and the opening diameters of the flow openings 27 in the front and rear surfaces 23 and 24 are in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, a plurality of flow paths 25 (passage holes) are formed in the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 that are used for the fuel cell 13 and the air electrode 14 so as to bend in an irregular manner in the thickness direction and the radial direction. The specific surface area of the electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 is large, and the gas (gas) flows through the flow path 25 (passage hole) while the gas (gas) flows to the contact surface of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 in the flow path 25. The contact can be made widely, and the catalytic activity (catalysis) of the fuel electrode 13 or the air electrode 14 can be effectively and maximally utilized.

  The fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (porous transition metal thin plate electrode 26) have a thickness L1 in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. If the thickness L1 of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 is less than 0.03 mm, their strength is reduced, and the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are easily damaged or damaged when an impact is applied, and their shapes are reduced. May not be able to maintain. When the thickness L1 of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 exceeds 0.3 mm, the electric resistance of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 increases, so that current does not flow smoothly to the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14, and the solid height is increased. Sufficient electricity cannot be generated in the molecular fuel cell 10, and sufficient electric energy cannot be supplied to the load 30 (see FIG. 7) connected to the fuel cell 10.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, since the thickness L1 of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 is in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, The cathode 13 and the cathode 14 have high strength and can maintain the shape, and it is possible to prevent the anode 13 and the cathode 14 from being damaged or damaged when a shock is applied to the anode 13 or the cathode 14. it can. Further, by setting the thickness dimension L1 within the above range, the electric resistance of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 can be reduced, and the current flows smoothly through the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14, and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 (cell 11) can generate sufficient electricity, and can supply sufficient electric energy to the load 30 connected to the fuel cell 10.

  The porosity of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (porous transition metal sheet electrode 26) is in the range of 15% to 30%, preferably 20% to 25%, and the relative density thereof is 70%. ８５85%, preferably in the range of 75% -80%. When the porosity of the anode 13 and the cathode 14 is less than 15% and the relative density exceeds 85%, the anode 13 and the cathode 14 have a large number of fine channels 25 (passage holes) and a large number of minute holes. Since the flow opening 27 is not formed, the specific surface area of the fuel electrode 13 or the air electrode 14 cannot be increased, and the catalytic activity (catalysis) of the fuel electrode 13 or the air electrode 14 cannot be effectively used. If the porosity of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (alloy thin plate electrode 26 having a porous structure) exceeds 30% and the relative density is less than 70%, the opening area of the flow path 25 (passage hole) and the flow opening 27 ( (Aperture diameter) becomes unnecessarily large, the strength of the fuel electrode 13 or the air electrode 14 is reduced, and the fuel electrode 13 or the air electrode 14 is easily damaged or damaged when an impact is applied, and the shape is maintained. May not be possible.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, since the porosity and relative density of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 used in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 are within the above range, the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 have a large number of different opening areas (opening diameters). It is formed into a porous body having a fine flow path 25 (passage hole) and a large number of fine front and rear surfaces 23 and 24 having different opening areas (opening diameters), and a specific surface area of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14. It is possible to make the gas (gas) widely contact the contact surfaces of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 in the flow channel 25 while the gas (gas) flows through the flow channel 25 (passage hole). In addition to this, the catalytic activity (catalysis) of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 can be used effectively and to the maximum.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, the porosity of the fuel electrode 13 (transition metal sheet electrode 26) and the air electrode 14 (transition metal sheet electrode 26) is within the above range, so that the number of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 is large. Of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 having a plurality of fine front and rear surfaces 23 and 24 having different flow paths 25 (passage holes) and a plurality of fine front and rear surfaces 23 and 24 having different opening areas (opening diameters). The surface area can be increased, and the gas can be brought into wide contact with the contact surfaces of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 in the flow channel 25 while the gas flows through the flow channel 25. 14 reliably exhibits substantially the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as an electrode containing a platinum group element, and can generate sufficient electricity using the non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14. Enough for the load 30 connected to 10 It is possible to supply the electrical energy.

Anode 13 and cathode 14 (transition metal thin plate electrode 26 of the porous structure) in the range that the density of ^{5.0g / cm 2 ~7.0g / cm 2} , preferably, 5.5g ^/ cm 2 ~6. It is in the range of 5 g / cm ² . When the density of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 is less than 5.0 g / cm ² , the strength of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 decreases, and the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are easily damaged when an impact is applied. Or it may be damaged and its shape cannot be maintained. When the density of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 exceeds 7.0 g / cm ² , the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 have many fine channels 25 (passage holes) and a large number of different opening areas (opening diameters). Since the flow openings 27 of the fine front and rear surfaces 23 and 24 are not formed, the specific surface area of the anode 13 and the cathode 14 cannot be increased, and the catalytic activity (catalysis) of the anode 13 and the cathode 14 is reduced. It cannot be used effectively.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, since the densities of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are in the above range, the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are formed of a large number of fine channels 25 (passage holes) and an opening area (an opening diameter ) Having a large number of fine front and rear surfaces 23, 24, which are formed into a porous material having a large flow area 27, so that the specific surface area of the fuel electrode 13 or the air electrode 14 can be increased. The gas (gas) can be brought into wide contact with the contact surfaces of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 in the flow path 25 while the gas (gas) flows through the gas, and the catalytic activity of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (catalyst) Action) can be used effectively and to the maximum.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, by setting the densities of the fuel electrode 13 (transition metal sheet electrode 26) and the air electrode 14 (transition metal sheet electrode 26) within the above range, the number of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 increases. It is molded into a porous material having a fine flow path 25 (passage hole) and a number of fine front and rear surfaces 23 and 24 having different opening areas (opening diameters), and a specific surface area of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14. It is possible to make the gas come into wide contact with the contact surface of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 while the gas flows through the flow passage 25, and the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 The same catalytic activity (catalytic action) as the electrodes included can be reliably exhibited, sufficient electricity can be generated using the non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14, and the load connected to the fuel cell 10 can be generated. Supply enough electrical energy to 30 It is possible.

  The particle size of the stainless alloy fine powder 34 (at least one of SUS304 alloy fine powder, SUS316 alloy fine powder, and SUS340 alloy fine powder), the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 , In the range of 10 μm to 200 μm. When the particle size of the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 is less than 10 μm, the flow path 25 (passage hole) and the flow opening 27 are closed by the fine powders 35 to 36, and the fuel A large number of fine channels 25 and flow openings 27 cannot be formed in the electrode 13 and the air electrode 14, and the specific surface area of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 cannot be increased. The catalytic activity (catalysis) of the electrode 14 cannot be effectively used.

  If the particle diameter of the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 exceeds 200 μm, the opening area (opening diameter) of the flow passage 25 (passage hole) and the flow openings of the front and rear surfaces 23, 24 27, the opening area (opening diameter) of the fuel electrode 13 becomes unnecessarily large, so that a large number of fine channels 25 and a large number of fine passages 27 cannot be formed in the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14, and the fuel electrode 13 And the specific surface area of the air electrode 14 cannot be increased, and the catalytic activity (catalysis) of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 cannot be effectively used.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, the particle diameters of the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 forming the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are within the above ranges. The air electrode 14 is porous having a large number of fine flow channels 25 (passage holes) having different opening areas (opening diameters) and a large number of fine front and rear surfaces 23 and 24 having different opening areas (opening diameters). The specific surface area of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 can be increased, and the gas is spread over the contact surface of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 in the flow path 25 while the gas flows through the flow path 25. In addition to being able to make contact, the catalytic activity (catalytic action) of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 can be used effectively and to the maximum.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the power generation of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the results of the electromotive force test of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the results of an IV characteristic test of the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14. In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, as shown in FIG. 7, hydrogen (fuel) is supplied to the fuel electrode 13 (electrode), and air (oxygen) is supplied to the air electrode 14 (electrode).

  The atmosphere (relative humidity of fuel) of hydrogen (fuel) supplied to the fuel electrode 13 is in the range of 95% to 100% relative humidity, preferably 100%, and the temperature of hydrogen is 45 ° C to 55 ° C. Range, preferably in the range of 49 ° C to 51 ° C. Before the hydrogen supplied to the anode 13 is supplied with steam from a steam generator (not shown) before being supplied to the anode 13, the atmosphere (relative humidity of the fuel) is 95% to 100% ( (Preferably 100%) and the temperature increases to 45 ° C to 55 ° C (preferably 49 ° C to 51 ° C).

  The supply pressure of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 13 and the supply pressure of air supplied to the air electrode 14 are in the range of +0.06 MPa to +0.08 MPa, and preferably +0.07 MPa. In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, an air supply pump (not shown) for pressure-feeding (air supply) hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 13 and air supplied to the air electrode 14 is installed. And the supply pressure of the hydrogen supplied to the air electrode 14 by the air supply pump is increased by +0.06 MPa to +0.06 MPa, preferably +0.07 MPa. The pressure is increased to a range of +0.08 MPa, preferably +0.07 MPa.

At the fuel electrode 13 (electrode), hydrogen is decomposed into protons (hydrogen ions, H ⁺ ) and electrons by a reaction (catalysis) of H ₂ → 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ . After that, protons move to the air electrode 14 through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 15, and electrons move to the air electrode 14 through the conducting wire 29. Protons generated at the fuel electrode 13 flow through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 15. At the air electrode 14 (electrode), protons transferred from the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 15 and electrons transferred on the conductive wire 29 react with oxygen in the air, and water is generated by the reaction of 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e → 2H ₂ O. Is done.

  The fuel electrode 13 (electrode) and the air electrode 14 (electrode) are made of austenitic stainless steel 31 (alloy transition metal) and Ni32 (metal transition metal), whose work functions are selected so that the composite work function is close to the work function of a platinum group element. Using stainless steel alloy fine powder 34 (at least one of SUS304 alloy fine powder, SUS316 alloy fine powder and SUS340 alloy fine powder), Ni metal fine powder 35 and Cu The weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder 34 to the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 and the Ni metal fine powder are set so that the work function of the work function with the metal fine powder 36 is close to the work function of the platinum group element. Since the weight ratio of the body 35 and the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36 are determined, the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 An electrode having substantially the same work function including gold group elements, illustrates the electrode and substantially the same catalytic activity containing a platinum group element (catalysis), hydrogen is decomposed efficiently into protons and electrons.

  In the electromotive force test, the voltage (V) between the electrodes (the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14) and the electrode (the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14) (between the electrodes) for 15 minutes after the hydrogen gas was injected. Was measured. In the diagram showing the results of the electromotive force test in FIG. 7, the measurement time (min) is represented on the horizontal axis, and the vertical axis represents the relationship between the electrode (fuel electrode 13 or air electrode 14) and the electrode (fuel electrode 13 or air electrode 14). Represents the voltage (V) between the electrodes (between the electrodes). In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using an electrode (platinum electrode) utilizing (supporting) a platinum group element, as can be seen from the diagram showing the results of the electromotive force test in FIG. 079 (V), whereas the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 using non-platinum electrodes (the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14) and the electrode (the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14) and the electrode ( The voltage (electromotive force) between the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 (between the electrodes) was 1.04 (V) to 1.02 (V).

  In the IV characteristic test, a load 30 is connected between the electrodes (the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14) and the electrodes (the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14) (between the electrodes), and the relationship between the voltage and the current is measured. did. In FIG. 8 showing the results of the IV characteristic test, the horizontal axis represents current (A), and the vertical axis represents voltage (V). In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 using the fuel electrode 13 (non-platinum electrode) and the air electrode 14 (non-platinum electrode), as can be seen from the results of the IV characteristic test in FIG. The result obtained was not substantially different from the voltage drop rate of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using an electrode (platinum electrode) using (supported) the polymer. As shown in the result of the electromotive force test in FIG. 7 and the result of the IV characteristic test in FIG. 8, the non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 which do not use a platinum group element emit electrons to generate hydrogen ions. It has been confirmed that the compound has an excellent catalytic action to promote the reaction to become, and has an oxygen reduction function (catalytic action) substantially similar to that of an electrode using platinum.

  The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 includes an austenitic stainless steel 31 whose anode 13 and air electrode 14 are selected such that the work function of the work function of a predetermined metal is close to the work function of a platinum group element. (At least one of SUS304, SUS316 and SUS340) Fine powder of stainless alloy made from austenitic stainless steel 31 using (alloy transition metal), Ni32 (metal transition metal) and Cu33 (metal transition metal) as raw materials 34 (at least one of SUS304 alloy fine powder, SUS316 alloy fine powder and SUS340 alloy fine powder), Ni metal fine powder 35 made of Ni32 (nickel), and Cu metal fine powder made of Cu33 (copper) Alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixed and dispersed uniformly with the body 36 The transition metal sheet electrode 14 having a porous structure in which the object 37 is compressed into a thin plate having a predetermined area and then fired to form a large number of fine channels 25 and through holes 27. The stainless alloy fine powder 34 and the Ni metal fine powder are formed. The weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder 34 to the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 so that the work function of the work function of the body 35 and the Cu metal fine powder 36 approximates the work function of the platinum group element. And the weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder 35 and the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36, the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 have substantially the same work function as the electrode containing the platinum group element, The electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 have excellent catalytic activity (catalytic action), and the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 exhibit almost the same catalytic activity (catalytic action) as an electrode containing a platinum group element. platinum Use anode 13 and cathode 14 can power sufficient electricity can be supplied enough electrical energy to the load 30 connected to the fuel cell 10.

  In the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10, the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are made of an austenitic stainless steel 31 (at least one of SUS304, SUS316, and SUS340) (alloy transition metal), Ni32 (metal transition metal), and Cu33 ( Metal transition metal), no expensive platinum group element is used, and the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are non-platinum electrodes, so that the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 can be manufactured at low cost. it can.

  The polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 supplies hydrogen (fuel) in an atmosphere having a relative humidity of 95% to 100% to the fuel electrode 13, supplies hydrogen at a temperature of 45 ° C. to 55 ° C. to the fuel electrode 13, and supplies +0. By supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode 13 at a supply pressure of 06 MPa to +0.08 MPa and supplying air (oxygen) to the air electrode 14 at a supply pressure of +0.06 MPa to +0.08 MPa, the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 are supplied. The catalytic activity of the fuel cell 10 is increased, the electromotive force of the fuel cell 10 is improved, sufficient electricity can be reliably generated using the non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14, and the fuel cell 10 is connected to the fuel cell 10. Sufficient electric energy can be reliably supplied to the load 30.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14. As shown in FIG. 10, the fuel electrode 13 (electrode) and the air electrode 14 (electrode) are made of a metal fine powder preparation step S1, a fine powder weight ratio determination step S2, an alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture preparation step S3, and an alloy. -It is manufactured by an electrode manufacturing method including a metal transition metal fine powder compressed material creation step S4 and a transition metal thin plate electrode creation step S5. The electrode manufacturing method includes an austenitic stainless steel 31 (at least one of SUS304, SUS316, and SUS340) (alloy) selected such that the work function of a predetermined metal is close to the work function of a platinum group element. A fuel electrode 13 (electrode) and an air electrode 14 (electrode) are manufactured using transition metals), Ni32 (metal transition metal) and Cu33 (metal transition metal) as raw materials.

  In the metal fine powder preparation step S1, the austenitic stainless steel 31 is finely pulverized to finely powder the stainless alloy 34 (SUS304 alloy fine powder (fine powder SUS304), SUS316 alloy fine powder (fine powder SUS316), and SUS340 alloy fine powder ( At least one of SUS340 in the form of fine powder) and finely pulverizing Ni32 to form fine Ni powder 35 (fine Ni), and finely pulverizing Cu33 to form fine Cu metal powder 36 (fine powder). In the form of Cu).

  In the metal fine powder preparation step S1, the austenitic stainless steel 31 (at least one of SUS304, SUS316, and SUS340) is finely pulverized to a particle diameter of 10 μm to 200 μm by a fine pulverizer, and Ni32 is reduced to 10 μm to While finely pulverizing to a particle size of 200 μm, Cu33 is finely pulverized by a pulverizer to a particle size of 10 μm to 200 μm.

  The electrode is manufactured by finely pulverizing austenitic stainless steel 31, Ni32, or Cu33 to a particle diameter of 10 μm to 200 μm, thereby forming a large number of fine channels 25 (passage holes) and a large number of fine particles having different opening areas (opening diameters). A porous transition metal thin plate electrode 26 having a large specific surface area and having a large specific surface area can be produced by forming a porous transition metal thin plate electrode 26 having flow ports 27 of the front and rear surfaces 23 and 24. The non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 can be made to be able to widely contact the contact surfaces of the electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 in the flow path 25.

  In the fine powder weight ratio determining step S2, the work function of the work function of the austenitic alloy fine powder 34, the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 produced in the metal fine powder forming step S1 is the work of the platinum group element. To approximate the function, the weight ratio of the austenitic alloy fine powder 34 to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is determined, and the Ni metal fine powder 35 to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is determined. And the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36 to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is determined.

  In the fine powder weight ratio determining step S2, the weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder 34 to the total weight (100%) of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is determined in the range of 47 to 49% (preferably 48%). The weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder 35 to the total weight (100%) of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is determined in the range of 47 to 49% (preferably 48%), and the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder is determined. The weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36 to the total weight (100%) of the body mixture 37 is determined in the range of 2 to 6% (preferably 2%).

  In the electrode manufacturing method, the weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder 36 to the total weight of the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 are determined within the above ranges. Accordingly, the work function of the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 can be approximated to the work function of the platinum group element, and the fuel electrode 13 (electrode) and air The electrode 14 (electrode) has substantially the same work function as the electrode containing the platinum group element, and can exhibit almost the same catalytic activity (catalytic action) as the electrode containing the platinum group element. The non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 having the function of (1) and capable of utilizing the catalytic function sufficiently and reliably can be produced.

  In the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture preparing step S3, the stainless alloy fine powder 34 having the weight ratio determined in the fine powder weight ratio determining step S2 and the Ni metal fine powder 35 having the weight ratio determined in the fine powder weight ratio determining step S2. And the Cu metal fine powder 36 having the weight ratio determined in the fine powder weight ratio determining step S2 are put into a mixer, and the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 are stirred by the mixer. The mixture is mixed to form an alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 in which the stainless alloy fine powder 34, the Ni metal fine powder 35, and the Cu metal fine powder 36 are uniformly mixed and dispersed.

  In the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder compressed material producing step S4, the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 produced in the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture producing step S3 is pressurized at a predetermined pressure, and the alloy / metal transition metal An alloy / metal transition metal fine powder compact 38 is prepared by compressing the fine powder mixture 37 into a thin plate having a predetermined area. In the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder compressed material preparation step S4, the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is put into a mold, and the alloy / metal transition metal fine powder is pressed by a press machine. A compressed body 38 is made.

  The press pressure (pressure) during the press working is in the range of 500 MPa to 800 MPa. When the pressing pressure (pressure) is less than 500 MPa, the opening area (opening diameter) of the flow passage 25 (passage hole) and the flow opening 27 formed in the compressed alloy-metal transition metal fine powder 38 (transition metal thin plate electrode 26). The opening diameter of the compressed alloy metal transition metal fine powder 38 (transition metal thin plate electrode 26) is reduced while the thickness dimension L1 is set to 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm). A large number of fine channels 25 (passage holes) and passages 27 in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm cannot be formed in the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder compact 38 (transition metal sheet electrode 26).

  When the pressing pressure (pressure) exceeds 800 MPa, the opening area (opening diameter) of the flow passage 25 (passage hole) and the flow opening 27 formed in the compressed alloy metal transition metal fine powder 38 (transition metal thin plate electrode 26). ) Becomes unnecessarily small, and the thickness dimension L1 of the compressed alloy metal transition metal fine powder 38 (transition metal thin plate electrode 26) is set to 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm). In addition, a large number of fine flow paths 25 (passage holes) and flow openings 27 having an opening diameter in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm cannot be formed in the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder compact 49 (transition metal thin plate electrode 14). .

  In the electrode manufacturing method, the alloy metal transition metal fine powder mixture 37 is pressurized (compressed) at a pressure within the above range, thereby forming a thickness L1 of the alloy metal transition metal fine powder compressed material 38 (transition metal thin plate electrode 26). And a large number of fine flow passages 25 (passage holes) and passage holes 27 having an opening diameter in the range of 1 μm to 100 μm were formed while reducing the diameter to 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm). The alloy-metal transition metal fine powder compact 38 (transition metal sheet electrode 26) can be formed. According to the electrode manufacturing method, the fuel electrode 13 (electrode) and the air electrode 14 (electrode) having the thickness dimension L1 in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm (preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm) can be formed. Accordingly, the non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 capable of reducing the electric resistance and allowing the current to flow smoothly can be formed.

  In the transition metal sheet electrode forming step S5, the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder compact 38 produced in the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder compact forming step S4 is charged into a furnace (electric furnace), and the alloy-metal transition metal is formed. The fine powder compact 37 is fired (sintered) at a predetermined temperature in a furnace to form a porous transition metal thin plate electrode 26 (the fuel electrode 13 and the fuel electrode 13) having a large number of fine channels 25 (pass holes) and through holes 27 formed therein. Make the cathode 14).

  In the transition metal thin plate electrode forming step S5, the compressed alloy metal transition metal fine powder 38 is fired for a long time at a temperature at which the Cu metal fine powder 36 having the lowest melting point is melted. The firing (sintering) time is 3 hours to 6 hours. In the transition metal thin plate electrode forming step S5, the Cu metal fine powder 36 having the lowest melting point is melted during firing of the alloy metal transition metal fine powder compressed material 38 compressed into a thin plate having a predetermined area, and the molten Cu metal fine powder is melted. Using the body 36 as a binder, the stainless alloy fine powder 34 and the Ni metal fine powder 35 are joined (fixed).

  The electrode manufacturing method includes a metal fine powder preparation step S1, a fine powder weight ratio determination step S2, an alloy / metal transition metal fine powder mixture preparation step S3, an alloy / metal transition metal fine powder compressed product preparation step S4, and a transition metal sheet electrode preparation. The thickness L1 is in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm (preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm) due to each step of the step S5, and a large number of fine flow paths 13 (passage holes) and flow paths The fuel electrode 13 (electrode) and the air electrode 14 (electrode) having the opening 27 can be manufactured, and the non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 that do not use a platinum group element can be manufactured at low cost. The fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 having excellent catalytic activity (catalytic action) and capable of utilizing the catalytic function sufficiently and reliably can be produced.

  In the electrode manufacturing method, the fuel electrode 13 (electrode) and the air electrode 14 (electrode) produced by the method exhibit substantially the same catalytic activity (catalysis) as an electrode containing a platinum group element. The non-platinum fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14 capable of generating sufficient electricity in the battery 10 and supplying sufficient electric energy to the load 30 connected to the polymer electrolyte fuel cell 10 Can be made.

  The electrode is manufactured by joining the stainless alloy fine powder 34 and the Ni metal fine powder 35 with the Cu metal fine powder 36 having the highest melting point as a binder, thereby forming a large number of fine flow paths 25 (passage holes) and through holes 27. The transition metal thin plate electrode 26 (the fuel electrode 13 and the air electrode 14) having a porous structure can be formed, the shape can be maintained with high strength, and the electrode can be damaged or damaged when an impact is applied. A non-platinum fuel electrode 13 (electrode) and an air electrode 14 (electrode) can be made which can prevent the occurrence of the above problem.

Reference Signs List 10 polymer electrolyte fuel cell 11 cell 12 cell stack 13 fuel electrode (electrode)
14 Air electrode (electrode)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Solid polymer electrolyte membrane 16 Separator 17 Separator 18 Membrane / electrode assembly 19 Gas diffusion layer 20 Gas diffusion layer 21 Gas seal 22 Gas seal 23 Front 24 Back 25 Channel (passage hole)
26 Transition metal thin plate electrode of porous structure 27 Flow opening 28 Outer edge 29 Conductor 30 Load 31 Austenitic stainless steel (alloy transition metal)
32 Ni (metal transition metal)
33 Cu (metal transition metal)
34 Fine powder of stainless alloy 35 Fine powder of Ni metal 36 Fine powder of Cu metal 37 Mixture of fine powder of alloy and metal transition metal 38 Compressed alloy and metal transition metal powder L1 Thickness dimension S1 Metal fine powder preparation step S2 Fine powder weight ratio determination step S3 Alloy / Metal transition metal fine powder mixture preparation process S4 Alloy / Metal transition metal fine powder compressed product creation process S5 Transition metal thin plate electrode preparation process

Claims (10)

The fuel cell further includes a cell stack having a plurality of cells, wherein the cells include a fuel electrode and an air electrode, an electrode assembly film located between the fuel electrode and the air electrode, and a fuel electrode and an air electrode. Formed from the outside and the separator located on the
The fuel electrode and the air electrode are made of austenitic stainless steel, Ni, and Cu selected such that a composite work function of a work function of a predetermined metal is close to a work function of a platinum group element, and the austenitic stainless steel is used as the fuel electrode and the air electrode. An alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture obtained by uniformly mixing and dispersing a finely pulverized stainless alloy fine powder, a finely pulverized Ni metal fine powder, and a finely pulverized Cu metal fine powder is mixed with a predetermined area. It is a transition metal thin plate electrode of a porous structure in which a large number of fine channels are formed by firing after being compressed into a thin plate shape,
At the fuel electrode and the air electrode, the alloy alloy and the Ni metal fine powder and the Cu metal fine powder, so that the composite work function of the work function of the platinum group element approximates the work function of the platinum alloy. A solid polymer, wherein a weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder, a weight ratio of the Ni metal fine powder, and a weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder to the total weight of the metal transition metal fine powder mixture are determined. Shaped fuel cell.   The weight ratio of the stainless alloy fine powder to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture is in the range of 47 to 49%, and the Ni metal fine powder relative to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture The weight ratio of the Cu metal fine powder to the total weight of the alloy-metal transition metal fine powder mixture is in the range of 2 to 6%. Polymer electrolyte fuel cell.   3. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the porous transition metal sheet electrode serving as the fuel electrode and the air electrode is in a range of 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm. 4.   The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the porosity of the porous transition metal sheet electrode serving as the fuel electrode and the air electrode is in a range of 15% to 30%. The density of the transition metal sheet electrodes of porous structure is the fuel electrode and the air ^electrode, 5.0g / cm 2 ^~7.0g / cm in the range of ² claims 1 to 4 solid according to any one Polymer fuel cells.   The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a particle diameter of the stainless alloy fine powder, the Ni metal fine powder, and the Cu metal fine powder is in a range of 10 µm to 200 µm.   In the transition metal sheet electrode having a porous structure that is the fuel electrode and the air electrode, the Cu metal fine powder having the lowest melting point is melted during firing of the alloy metal metal powder mixture compressed into a sheet having a predetermined area, The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stainless alloy fine powder and the Ni metal fine powder are joined by using a molten Cu metal fine powder as a binder.   The austenitic stainless steel is at least one of SUS304, SUS316 and SUS340, and the stainless alloy fine powder is at least one of SUS304 alloy fine powder, SUS316 alloy fine powder and SUS340 alloy fine powder. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   The said polymer electrolyte fuel cell WHEREIN: The atmosphere of the hydrogen supplied to the said fuel electrode is in the range of 95-100% of relative humidity, and the temperature of the said hydrogen is in the range of 45-55 degreeC. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 8.   10. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein in the polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a supply pressure of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode is in a range of +0.06 MPa to +0.08 MPa. .

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