WO2005015667A2 - Membrane electrolyte, composite de membrane electrolyte et procede de fabrication de ce composite, ensemble membrane electrolyte-electrode pour pile a combustible et procede de fabrication de cet ensemble, et pile a combustible - Google Patents

Membrane electrolyte, composite de membrane electrolyte et procede de fabrication de ce composite, ensemble membrane electrolyte-electrode pour pile a combustible et procede de fabrication de cet ensemble, et pile a combustible Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005015667A2
WO2005015667A2 PCT/JP2004/011727 JP2004011727W WO2005015667A2 WO 2005015667 A2 WO2005015667 A2 WO 2005015667A2 JP 2004011727 W JP2004011727 W JP 2004011727W WO 2005015667 A2 WO2005015667 A2 WO 2005015667A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrolyte membrane
masking member
fuel cell
electrode
composite
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2004/011727
Other languages
English (en)
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WO2005015667A3 (fr
Inventor
Masafumi Matsunaga
Original Assignee
Nordson Corporation
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nordson Corporation filed Critical Nordson Corporation
Priority to US10/567,135 priority Critical patent/US20060216563A1/en
Priority to CA002532575A priority patent/CA2532575A1/fr
Publication of WO2005015667A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005015667A2/fr
Publication of WO2005015667A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005015667A3/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H01M4/8626—Porous electrodes characterised by the form
    • 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
    • H01M4/88—Processes of manufacture
    • H01M4/8803—Supports for the deposition of the catalytic active composition
    • H01M4/8807—Gas diffusion layers
    • 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
    • H01M4/88—Processes of manufacture
    • H01M4/8803—Supports for the deposition of the catalytic active composition
    • H01M4/881—Electrolytic membranes
    • 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
    • H01M8/1004—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2300/00—Electrolytes
    • H01M2300/0088—Composites
    • H01M2300/0094—Composites in the form of layered products, e.g. coatings
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE COMPOSITE
  • ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE-ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR FUEL CELL METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE-ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR FUEL CELL, AND FUEL CELL
  • the preset invention relates to an electrolyte membrane, an electrolyte membrane composite, a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane composite, an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell, a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell.
  • the invention relates to an electrolyte membrane and electrode for a proton-exchange electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEFC) .
  • PEFC proton-exchange electrolyte membrane fuel cell
  • a wet coat thickness of the liquid electrode ink, that is to be applied to the electrolyte membrane is large.
  • a solid content in the liquid electrode ink is about 5 to 15%.
  • a dry weight of an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell is generally in a range of about 0.5 to 6 mg/cm 2 , mostly about 0.8 to 3 mg/cm 2 , although varying depending on a catalyst (e.g., platinum) content.
  • a wet coat thickness of the liquid electrode ink, which is converted from the above values, is about 50 to 600 ⁇ m.
  • a measure for solving the above-mentioned problem is to increase a concentration of the electrode ink, that is, to volatize as much solvent as possible from the electrode ink before the electrode ink reaches the electrolyte membrane.
  • the electrode ink is applied in the form of liquid droplet, and even particle as fine as possible, which can contact the air with a larger area instead of using a conventional liquid film coating method, typically, roll coating, die coating with a slot nozzle, curtain coating, or screen printing.
  • the spray coating is a method of applying a liquid in the particle form and hence particles are readily dispersed. It is thus impossible to form an electrode pattern having a desired sharp pattern contour. Therefore, the use of a masking member is indispensable.
  • methods as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Nos. 4-135670, 4-176363, and 4-210273 are simple automatic masking methods in the general coating field.
  • the application of the electrode ink requires removal of the dried electrode ink adhering to the masking member by using a solvent on a production line.
  • the catalyst ignites at the time of heat generation because of its own property or that it inflames at the time of contacting the solvent.
  • a large amount of waste liquid or waste containing electrode ink, which is discarded after the above Operations is transported to a catalyst manufacturer etc. for reuse of platinum. Any unnecessary washing solvent is used to involve a cost for a solvent.
  • a cost is also required for an operator to clean the masking member after the completion of the operation.
  • the solvent is handled as explosives and combustibles or involves the aforementioned problem, and hence requires a cost for transporting means.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems and therefore has an object to provide an electrolyte membrane, an electrolyte membrane composite, a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane composite, an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell, for manufacturing an electrode having a desired pattern with high quality and highly efficient productivity.
  • the present invention provides an electrolyte membrane as described below.
  • the present invention provides an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell before an electrode is applied to the electrolyte membrane, a masking member having a hole bored in a shape of a desired electrode being laminated on at least one side of the electrolyte membrane.
  • a masking member having a hole bored in a shape of a desired electrode being laminated on at least one side of the electrolyte membrane.
  • the taken-up masking member is transported to a catalyst manufacturer for reuse of platinum. Consequently, it is possible to dispense with a washing solvent for cleaning the masking member and to skip the cleaning step.
  • masking members having similar holes bored in a shape of a desired electrode may be laminated on both sides of the electrolyte membrane.
  • the masking member may self-adhere to the electrolyte membrane or adhere to the electrolyte membrane through a slight adhesive.
  • the electrolyte membrane and/or the masking member may be a web, and the electrolyte membrane may be made into a roll stock.
  • the electrolyte membrane may be cut into sheets .
  • a gas barrier sheet or web may be laminated on at least one masking member.
  • a thickness of the masking member may be substantially the same as or larger than a thickness of an electrode to be formed in a post-process.
  • the electrolyte membrane may be wrapped with a gas barrier wrapping material.
  • the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is manufactured by applying or filling 'in an electrode ink or/and a powder electrode material on an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell through a hole of a masking member of the electrolyte membrane for the fuel cell, and by peeling off the masking member.
  • the electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell laminated with the masking member is used, whereby the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell can be formed with high productivity and accuracy.
  • the electrode ink or/and the powder electrode material may be fixed to the electrolyte membrane for the fuel cell.
  • an electrolyte membrane composite includes: an electrolyte membrane; and a masking member provided with a plurality of holes, in which the masking member is detachably attached to one side of the electrolyte membrane.
  • the holes may be shaped in a shape of a fuel electrode for a fuel cell.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite may further include a gas barrier sheet.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite may further include a masking member detachably attached to the other side of the electrolyte membrane.
  • the gas barrier sheet may be detachably attached to the masking member or the electrolyte membrane.
  • the masking member and the gas barrier sheet may be made of an autohesion material and detachably attached to the electrolyte membrane without using an adhesive.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite may be wound to be made into a roll stock.
  • the roll stock of the electrolyte membrane composite may be wrapped with a gas barrier wrapping material.
  • a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane composite having an electrolyte membrane and a masking member includes: boring a desired shape hole in the masking member; and thereafter, attaching the masking member to the electrolyte membrane.
  • a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane composite having an electrolyte membrane and a masking member includes: attaching the masking member to the electrolyte membrane; and thereafter, boring a desired shape hole in the masking member.
  • a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes: installing rotatably a roll stock of an electrolyte membrane composite having an electrolyte membrane and a masking member provided with a plurality of holes; drawing the electrolyte membrane composite from the roll stock; applying or filling in an electrode ink or/and a powder electrode material on the electrolyte membrane through the plurality of holes of the masking member while transporting the electrolyte membrane composite or preparing a laminate thereof; fixing the applied electrode ink or/and powder electrode material to the electrolyte membrane; and peeling off the masking member from the electrolyte membrane.
  • a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes: installing rotatably a roll stock of an electrolyte membrane composite having an electrolyte membrane, a masking member provided with a plurality of holes, and a gas barrier sheet; drawing the electrolyte membrane composite from the roll stock; peeling off the gas barrier sheet; applying or filling in an electrode ink or/and a powder electrode material on the electrolyte membrane through the plurality of holes of the masking member while transporting the electrolyte membrane composite or preparing a laminate thereof; fixing the electrode ink or/and the powder electrode material to the electrolyte membrane; and peeling off the masking member from the electrolyte membrane.
  • a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes: installing rotatably a roll stock of an electrolyte membrane composite having an electrolyte membrane, a first masking member attached to a first side of the electrolyte membrane and provided with a plurality of holes, and a second masking member attached to a second side of the electrolyte membrane and provided with a plurality of holes; drawing the electrolyte membrane composite from the roll stock; applying or filling in an electrode ink or/and a powder electrode material on the first side of the electrolyte membrane through the plurality of holes of the first masking member while transporting the electrolyte membrane composite or preparing a laminate thereof; fixing the electrode ink or/and the powder electrode material to the electrolyte membrane; peeling off the first masking member from the electrolyte membrane; reversing the electrolyte membrane and the second masking member; applying or filling in the electrode ink or/
  • a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes: installing a sheet of an electrolyte membrane composite having an electrolyte membrane and a masking member provided with at least one hole; applying or filling in an electrode ink or/and a powder electrode material on the electrolyte membrane through the at least one hole of the masking member or preparing a laminate thereof; fixing the electrode ink or/and the powder electrode material to the electrolyte membrane; and peeling off the masking member from the electrolyte membrane .
  • a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes: filling in or/and applying a powder electrode material through a plurality of holes of first and second masking members laminated on both sides of an electrolyte membrane; optionally increasing a bulk density by one or a combination of roll-pressing, oscillation, and vacuum degassing and optionally reiterating the filling in or/and applying and the increasing the density of the powder electrode material; heating or/and pressing the electrolyte membrane to be fixed when a desired thickness is reached; and peeling off the first and second masking members from the electrolyte membrane.
  • the method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell may further include cutting the electrolyte membrane.
  • An electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell according to the present invention is manufactured by the method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell.
  • a fuel cell may be manufactured by using the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell . According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately apply the electrode ink or powder electrode material to the electrolyte membrane with a desired pattern and to improve productivity in forming an electrode for a fuel cell, which is particularly useful.
  • the present invention no gap is allowed between the electrolyte membrane and the masking member, making it possible to manufacture the electrode having the desired shape with accuracy. Also, it is unnecessary to separately mount the masking member to the coating device.
  • the electrode with the desired shape (pattern) can be manufactured with accuracy only by mounting the electrolyte membrane of the present invention to the coating device .
  • the electrode ink adhering to the masking member and dried is taken up together with the masking member. Hence, the taken-up masking member is transported to a catalyst manufacturer for reuse of platinum. Consequently, it is possible to dispense with a washing solvent for cleaning the masking member and to skip the cleaning step.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrolyte membrane composite 1 according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the electrolyte membrane composite 1
  • FIG. 3 shows how a wrapping material 20 wraps the rolled electrolyte membrane composite 1
  • FIG. 4 shows the electrolyte membrane composite 1 whose one side is attached with a gas barrier sheet ' 14
  • FIG. 5 shows how the electrolyte membrane composite 1 is rolled with the gas barrier sheet 14 facing outwardly
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a coating device 30 for applying electrode ink to the electrolyte membrane composite 1
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electrolyte membrane composite 101 according to the present invention
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the electrolyte membrane composite 101;
  • FIG. 9 shows the electrolyte membrane composite 101 where a second side 111b of an electrolyte membrane 111 is attached to a gas barrier sheet 114;
  • FIG. 10 shows the electrolyte membrane composite 101 having a masking member 112 attached to the gas barrier sheet 114;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic ' diagram of a coating device 130 for applying electrode ink to the electrolyte membrane composite 101;
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the coating device 130 for applying electrode ink to the electrolyte membrane composite 101;
  • FIG. 13 illustrates a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane composite;
  • FIG. 14 illustrates another method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane composite;
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic sectional view of a device for applying to, that is, filling in an electrolyte membrane composite a powder electrode material
  • FIG. 16 shows a pressure/vacuum recovery system 550
  • FIG. 17 is a plan view of a belt 558
  • FIG. 18 is a side view of the belt 558
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of a filling device for applying to * , that is, filling in an electrolyte membrane a powder electrode material
  • FIG. 20 is a schematic sectional view of a coating device for applying a powder electrode material to an electrolyte membrane
  • FIG. 21 shows an example of a case of applying an electrode ink El and a powder electrode material P one on top of the other.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrolyte membrane composite 1 according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the electrolyte membrane composite 1.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 1 is composed of an electrolyte membrane 11, a masking member 12 attached to a first side 11a of the electrolyte membrane 11, and a masking member 13 attached to a second side lib of the electrolyte membrane 11.
  • the electrolyte membrane 11 has property of not allowing permeation of electrons but only allowing permeation of ions and thus is used for a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell.
  • the electrolyte membrane 11 includes a proton-exchange electrolyte membrane, for example, an electrolyte membrane made of a perfluorosulfonate polymer, "NAFION" (registered trademark) available from DuPont Inc.
  • the masking members 12 and 13 are paper or plastics, preferably, sheet-like members, film-like members, or webs made of a PVC-free material etc. Materials for the electrolyte membrane and masking members are exemplified above, but the present invention should not be construed as being limited to those materials.
  • the masking members 12 and 13 have plural holes 12a and 13a with a predetermined shape.
  • the plural holes 12a and 13a are formed for forming a fuel electrode of a fuel cell.
  • the predetermined shape may conform to a fuel electrode shape.
  • the thickness of the masking members 12 and 13 is set to be substantially the same as or larger than that of the fuel electrode. This is because, if the masking members 12 and 13 are thinner than the fuel electrode, the applied electrode ink overflows the hole, making it difficult to form the fuel electrode.
  • the masking members 12 and 13 are detachably attached to the electrolyte ' membrane 11.
  • the masking members 12 and 13 are preferably attached to the electrolyte membrane 11 with slight adhesives approved by an electrolyte membrane supplier.
  • the masking members 12 and 13 may be films applied with pressure-sensitive adhesives like cellophane tape, and the films may be attached to the electrolyte membrane 11.
  • the masking members 12 and 13 may be autohesion films having property of self-adhering to a target surface without any adhesive instead. The autohesion films may be attached to the electrolyte membrane 11.
  • holes with desired patterns may be bored in masking members in the form of being supplied from an electrolyte membrane supplier, for example, backing films or cover sheets laminated on both sides of "Nation” (registered trademark) available from DuPont Inc.
  • the backing films or cover sheets of "Nation” are specified in DuPont Product Information "DuPontTM National® PFSA Membranes NR-111 and NR-112" NAE 201 (Nov. 2002) .
  • Storage Method The electrolyte membrane 11 absorbs moisture and swells when exposed to the air, and hence is desirably shielded from the air in storage.
  • FIG. 3 shows how a wrapping material 20 wraps the rolled electrolyte membrane composite 1.
  • FIG. 4 shows the electrolyte membrane composite 1 whose one side is attached with a gas barrier sheet 14.
  • the gas barrier sheet 14 is detachably attached onto the masking member 12 with a slight adhesive. Note that the gas barrier sheet 14 made of an autohesion material can be directly attached to the masking member 12 without any adhesive.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 1 is rolled with the gas barrier sheet 14 facing outwardly, so that the electrolyte membrane composite 1 is enclosed by the gas barrier sheet 14.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a coating device 30 for applying electrode ink to the electrolyte membrane composite 1.
  • a fuel cell anode
  • an air electrode cathode
  • the coating device 30 includes a first coating device 31 and a second coating device 32.
  • the first coating device 31 is arranged above the second coating device 32.
  • the first coating device 31 and the second coating device 32 have substantially the same structure. Hence, a description is only made of the first coating device 31, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description of the second coating device 32 is omitted.
  • the first coating device 31 is composed of a driving roller 34, a driven roller 36, a screen belt (circulating member) 38 stretched over the driving roller 34 and the driven roller 36, a vacuum suction/heating device 40, and a nozzle 42 for applying electrode ink.
  • the screen belt 38 rotates clockwise in a direction indicated by the arrow B in accordance with clockwise rotation of the driving roller 34 in a direction indicated by the arrow A.
  • the screen belt 38 rotates counterclockwise in a direction indicated by the arrow D in accordance with counterclockwise rotation of the driving roller 34 in a direction indicated by the arrow C.
  • An underlying web 44 is put on the screen belt 38 and is made of an air-permeable material such as ' paper.
  • the underlying web 44 is drawn from a take-up spindle 46 in a direction indicated by the arrow E, and then sucked to the screen belt 38 and transported in a direction indicated by the arrow B, and finally taken up by a take-up spindle 48.
  • the underlying web 44 is drawn from the take-up spindle 46 in a direction indicated by the arrow F, and then sucked to the screen belt 38 and transported in a direction indicated by the arrow D, and finally taken up by the take-up spindle 48.
  • a roll stock 50 of the electrolyte membrane composite 1 is rotatably slid onto a take-up spindle 52 of the coating device 30.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 1 is drawn from the take-up spindle 52 in a direction indicated by the arrow G.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 1 is sucked onto the underlying web 44 and transported along with the movement of the screen belt 38 in a direction indicated by the arrow B.
  • the gas barrier sheet 14 When being attached to the electrolyte membrane composite 1, the gas barrier sheet 14 is taken up by a take-up spindle 56 through a guide roller 54. Thus, the gas barrier sheet 14 is peeled off from the electrolyte membrane composite 1. Note that in the first coating device 31, when being attached to the electrolyte membrane composite 1, the gas barrier sheet 14 can be also sucked to the screen belt 38 without using the underlying web 44 by rotating the roll stock 50 of the electrolyte membrane composite 1 in a reverse direction. More specifically, the gas barrier sheet 14 can substitute for the underlying web 44. As a result, it is possible to dispense with mechanisms of the take-up spindles 46, 48, and 56 and reduce costs for devices and members.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 1 and the underlying web 44 are sucked to the screen belt 38 and heated by the vacuum suction/heating device 40.
  • the electrode ink is applied from the nozzle 42 toward the holes 12a in the masking member 12 of the electrolyte membrane composite 1.
  • the holes 12a are formed into a desired shape, making it possible to form on the first side 11a of the electrolyte membrane 11 a fuel electrode having a desired shape with ease.
  • the masking members 12 and 13 are previously bonded " to the electrolyte membrane composite 1, which eliminates the need to separately prepare a masking member, leading to a simple manufacturing process.
  • the width of the underlying web 44 may be substantially equal to that of the electrolyte membrane composite 1.
  • a type of the nozzle 42 or coater is not particularly limited. However, coating with a spray nozzle is more preferred than curtain coating as liquid film coating, roll coating or screen coating as contact liquid coating, or coating with a slot nozzle.
  • the electrolyte membrane has a problem that the membrane is swelled with a solvent of electrode ink. To that end, it is important to volatilize as much solvent as possible before the electrode ink reaches the electrolyte membrane.
  • the electrode ink is preferably applied from a spray nozzle in the form of fine particles that can contact with the air in a larger area.
  • a liquid is applied in a particle form, so that the particles are likely to spatter.
  • the spray nozzle is used as the nozzle 42, it is preferable to set the width of the underlying web 44 ⁇ larger than that of the electrolyte membrane composite 1.
  • the electrode ink ejected from the nozzle 42 may be slightly dispersed over the underlying web 44. However, the dispersed electrode ink adheres to the underlying web 44 and the underlying web 44 is taken up by the take-up spindle 48.
  • the dispersed electrode ink can be recovered or collected by using the underlying web 44.
  • a coating device adequate for environmental sanitation as well as to recover or collect expensive platinum contained in the electrode ink for reuse.
  • the masking member 12 attached to the upper side of the electrolyte membrane composite 1 is taken up by a take-up spindle 60 located in an upper portion through a guide roller 58.
  • the masking member 12 is thereby peeled off from the electrolyte membrane composite 1.
  • the masking member 12 may keep moving to a downstream side instead of peeling off therefrom, and may be taken up in the final step.
  • the electrode ink applied to the electrolyte membrane 11 is fixed to the electrolyte membrane 11 through drying.
  • the electrode ink may be dried through a vacuum chamber, or heated with hot air or with a heating roller, and thus fixed- to the electrolyte membrane 11.
  • the ink may be fixed to the membrane in the final step.
  • the electrolyte membrane 11 and the masking member 13 are guided to the second coating device 32 by a guide roller 62 arranged in a lower portion. At this time, the transport direction of the electrolyte membrane 11 and the masking member 13 is reversed by the guide roller 62 from a direction indicated by the arrow H to a direction indicated by the arrow I .
  • the masking member 13 is turned up in this way.
  • the electrolyte membrane 11 and the masking member 13 are guided by a guide roller 64, sucked onto the underlying web.44 of the second coating device 32, and transported in a direction indicated by the arrow D along with the movement of the screen belt 38.
  • the first side 11a of the electrolyte membrane 11 where a fuel electrode is formed in the first coating device 31 is tuned down so as to contact with the underlying web 44, and the masking member 13 is turned up.
  • the electrolyte membrane 11, the masking member 13, and the underlying web 44 are sucked to the screen belt 38 and heated by the vacuum suction/heating device 40.
  • the electrode ink is applied from the nozzle 42 toward the holes 13a of the masking member 13.
  • the holes 13a are formed into a desired shape, making it possible to form on the second side lib of the electrolyte membrane 11 a fuel electrode having a desired shape with ease.
  • the masking member 13 is taken up by a take-up spindle 68 located in an upper portion through a guide roller 66. Hence, the masking member 13 is peeled off from the electrolyte membrane 11.
  • the electrode ink applied to the electrolyte membrane 11 is fixed to the electrolyte membrane 11 through drying.
  • the ink may be dried through a vacuum chamber, or heated with hot air or with a heating roller, and thus fixed to the electrolyte membrane 11.
  • the electrolyte membrane 11 is taken up by a take-up spindle 70.
  • the electrolyte membrane 11 is transported to a cutting device (not shown) and cut into a desired size for use in an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell.
  • the electrolyte membrane- electrode assembly for a fuel cell is completed, where the fuel electrode (anode) and the air electrode (cathode) are formed in the electrolyte membrane 11.
  • a fuel cell is manufactured using the thus- prepared electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell (MEA) .
  • MEA fuel cell
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electrolyte membrane composite 101 according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the electrolyte membrane composite 101.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is composed of an electrolyte membrane 111 and a masking member 112 attached to a first side Ilia of the electrolyte membrane 111. Plural holes 112a with a predetermined shape are bored in the masking member 112 for forming a fuel electrode of a fuel cell.
  • the thickness of the masking member 112 is substantially the same as or larger than that of the fuel electrode,
  • the masking member 112 is detachably attached to the electrolyte membrane 111.
  • the masking member 112 is attached to the electrolyte membrane 111 with a slight adhesive.
  • the masking member 112 is preferably an autohesion film having property of self-adhering to a target surface without any adhesive. The autohesion film may be attached to the electrolyte membrane 111. (Storage Method) Similarly to Embodiment 1 as shown in FIG.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is rolled as a roll stock, the roll stock is wrapped with a gas barrier wrapping material, and the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is stored in the form of roll stock.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is preferably rolled with the masking member 112 facing outwardly.
  • the gas barrier sheet 114 may be attached to one side of the electrolyte membrane composite 101.
  • FIG. 9 shows the electrolyte membrane composite 101 where a second side 111b of the electrolyte membrane 111 is attached to the gas barrier sheet 114.
  • the gas barrier sheet 114 is detachably attached to the electrolyte membrane 111 with a slight adhesive.
  • FIG. 10 shows the electrolyte membrane composite 101 having the masking member 112 attached to the gas barrier sheet 114.
  • the gas barrier sheets 114 may be attached to both sides of the electrolyte membrane composite 101, that is, respectively attached to the electrolyte membrane 111 and the masking member 112. Similarly to Embodiment 1 as shown in FIG.
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams of a coating device 130 for applying electrode ink to the electrolyte membrane composite 101. An electrode is formed on one side of the electrolyte membrane 111.
  • the coating device 130 is composed of a driving roller 134, a driven roller 136, a screen belt (circulating member) 138 stretched over the driving roller 134 and the driven roller 136, a vacuum suction/heating device 140, and a nozzle 142 for applying electrode ink.
  • the screen belt 138 rotates clockwise in a direction indicated by the arrow B in accordance with clockwise rotation of the driving roller 134 (in a direction indicated by the arrow A.
  • An underlying web 144 is put on the screen belt 138 and is made of an air-permeable material such as paper.
  • the underlying web 144 is drawn from a take- up spindle 146 in a direction indicated by the arrow E, and then sucked to the screen belt 138 and transported in a direction indicated by the arrow B, and finally taken up by a take-up spindle 148.
  • a roll stock 150 of the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is rotatably slid onto a take-up spindle 152 of the coating device 130.
  • the gas barrier sheet 114 is not attached to the electrolyte membrane composite 101, as shown in FIG.
  • the roll stock 150 is slid onto the take-up spindle 152 such that the roll stock 150 of the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is rotated clockwise in a direction indicated by the arrow J and hence the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is drawn therefrom.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is drawn from the take-up spindle 152 in a direction indicated by the arrow G.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is sucked onto the underlying web 144 and transported along with the movement of the screen belt 138 in a direction indicated by the arrow B.
  • the roll stock 150 is slid onto the take-up spindle 152 such that the roll stock 150 of the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is rotated clockwise in a direction indicated by the arrow J and hence the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is drawn therefrom. This is because the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is rolled with the gas barrier sheet 114 constituting the outermost layer of the roll stock 150.
  • the roll stock 150 is attached to the masking member 130 such that the electrolyte membrane 111, the masking member 112, and the gas barrier sheet 114 are laminated in this order. Then, the gas barrier sheet 114 is taken up by a take-up spindle 156 located in an upper portion through a guide roller 154.
  • the gas barrier sheet 114 is peeled upwardly from the electrolyte membrane composite 101.
  • the roll stock 150 is slid onto the take-up spindle 152 such that the roll stock 150 of the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is rotated counterclockwise in a direction indicated by the arrow K and hence the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is drawn therefrom. This is because the electrolyte membrane composite 101 is rolled with the gas barrier sheet 114 constituting the outermost layer of the roll stock 150.
  • the roll stock 150 is attached to the masking member 130 such that the gas barrier sheet 114, the electrolyte membrane 111, and the masking member 112 are laminated in this order. Then, the gas barrier sheet 114 is taken up by a take-up spindle 182 located in a lower portion through a guide roller 180. Thus, the gas barrier sheet 114 is peeled downwardly from the electrolyte membrane composite 101. The electrolyte membrane composite 101 and the underlying web ⁇ 44 are sucked to the screen belt 138 and heated by the vacuum suction/heating device 140. The electrode ink is applied from the nozzle 142 to the electrolyte membrane 111 through the holes 112a in the masking member 112 of the electrolyte membrane composite 101.
  • the holes 112a are formed into a desired shape, making it possible to form on the first side Ilia of the electrolyte membrane 111 a fuel electrode having a desired shape with ease.
  • the masking member 112 is previously bonded to the electrolyte membrane composite 101, which eliminates the need to separately prepare a masking member, leading to a simple manufacturing process. Also, the masking member 112 self-adheres to the electrolyte membrane 111 or is indirectly attached thereto with a slight adhesive. Thus, the masking member 112 never floats over the membrane.
  • the masking member 112 is taken up by a take-up spindle 160 located in an upper portion through a guide roller 158. Hence, the masking member 112 is peeled off from the electrolyte membrane 111. Note that the masking member 112 may be peeled off in the final step.
  • the electrode ink applied to the electrolyte membrane 111 is fixed to the electrolyte membrane 111 through drying. The electrode ink may be dried through a vacuum chamber, or heated with hot air or with a heating roller, and thus fixed to the electrolyte membrane 111.
  • the ink may be fixed to the membrane in the final step.
  • the electrolyte membrane 111 is taken up by a take-up spindle 170.
  • the electrolyte membrane 111 is transported to a cutting device (not shown) and cut into a desired size for use in an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell .
  • a fuel cell is manufactured using the thus- prepared electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell (MEA) .
  • Embodiment 3 Method of Manufacturing Electrolyte Membrane Composite
  • a masking member 212 is drawn from a masking member roll 210 while being punched with a punch 220 to form a hole 212a with a desired shape.
  • the masking member 212 having the hole 212a bored therein is applied with a slight adhesive 235 from a slot nozzle 230 except for a portion corresponding to the hole 212a.
  • An electrolyte membrane 211 is drawn from an electrolyte membrane roll 240 and attached to the masking member 212 by means of a pressure roll pair 250.
  • An electrolyte membrane composite 201 is thus manufactured.
  • the masking member 212 made of an autohesion material requires no step of applying an adhesive with the slot nozzle 230.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates another method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane composite. In FIG.
  • an electrolyte membrane 311 is drawn from an electrolyte membrane roll 340 while being applied with a slight adhesive 335 from a slot nozzle 330 except for a portion 315 corresponding to a desired shape.
  • a masking member 312 is drawn from a masking member roll 310 and attached to the electrolyte membrane 311 by means of a pressure roll pair 350.
  • the masking member 312 is punched into a desired shape by a punch 320 according to the portion not applied with the slight adhesive. At this point, the punch 320 is adjusted so as not to punch the electrolyte membrane 311.
  • Electrolyte membrane composite 301 is thus manufactured .
  • Embodiment 4 Method of Manufacturing Electrolyte Membrane- electrode Assembly for Fuel Cell
  • the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell is manufactured by applying the electrode ink to the electrolyte membrane in Embodiments 1 and 2.
  • an electrolyte membrane- electrode assembly for a fuel cell is manufactured using a powder electrode material.
  • a filling device 500 is composed of a container 502 containing a powder electrode material, and paired brush rollers 504 and 505 provided inside the container 502.
  • An electrolyte membrane composite 610 composed of an electrolyte membrane 601, and masking members
  • the brush rollers 504 and 505 apply to, that is, fill in the holes 602a and 603a of the masking members 602 and 603, respectively, a powder electrode material.
  • an electrode with a desired shape can be formed on the electrolyte membrane 601.
  • the brush rollers 504 and 505 are used as applying (or filling) means, but the present invention may adopt any general rollers for pressing the material into the holes instead of using the brush rollers.
  • rubber or resin-made rollers are used and a powder electrode material may be attracted by means of an electrostatic force onto the electrolyte membrane 601 through the holes 602a and 603a of the masking members 602 and 603, respectively.
  • a coating or filling type or method in place of filling the material, the material may be ' applied or filled by coating with a general powder coating spray gun, coating with a squeegee based on a rotary screen method, or imparting an electrostatic force thereto.
  • the filling device 500 may be provided with squeegees 506 downstream of the brush rollers 504 and 505 in a transport direction as indicated by the arrow X.
  • the squeegees 506 function to remove the powder electrode material adhering to the surfaces of the masking members 602 and 603 or function as leveling members for leveling the powder electrode material filled in the holes 602a and 603a.
  • the squeegees 506 thus provided can scrape off an excess of the electrode material.
  • the squeegees 506 are not limited to plate-like members as shown in FIG. 15 but may be roll- or brush-like members.
  • the filling device 500 may be provided with a pressure roller pair 508 downstream of the brush rollers 504 and 505 in the transport direction as indicated by the arrow X.
  • the pressure roller pair 508 presses the electrolyte membrane composite 610 for increasing a bulk density of a powder electrode material P filled in the holes 602a and 603a.
  • the powder electrode material P is an air-containing material, so that the powder electrode material filled in the holes 602a and 603a by the brush rollers 504 and 505 is low in bulk density.
  • the bulk density is increased up to a predetermined density by pressing the powder electrode material P filled in the holes 602a and 603a by means of the pressure roller pair 508.
  • a pressure/vacuum recovery system 550 as shown in FIG.
  • the pressure/vacuum recovery system 550 is composed of a pressure/driving roller 552, a tension roller 554, a driven roller 556, and a belt 558 stretched over the pressure/driving roller 552, the tension roller 554, and the driven roller 556.
  • the belt 558 is rotated in a direction indicated by the arrow Y by the pressure/driving roller 552.
  • FIG. 17 is a plan view of the belt 558.
  • FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the belt 558.
  • the belt 558 has holes 558a complementary to the holes 602a and 603a having a desired shape and formed in the masking members 602 and 603, respectively.
  • the belt 558 has corresponding portions 558b that conform to the holes 602a and 603a, end portions 558c, first connection portions 558d for ' connecting the corresponding portions 558b and the end portions 558c, and second connection portions 558e for connecting between the adjacent corresponding portions 558b.
  • the belt 558 is moved in a direction indicated by the arrow Y in synchronization with the transport of the electrolyte membrane composite 610 such that the corresponding portions 558b conform to the holes 602a and 603a of the masking members 602 and 603, respectively.
  • Vacuum chambers 560 are each provided on an opposite side of the belt 558 facing each of the masking members 602 and 603. The vacuum chambers 560 are adapted to suck and recover an excess electrode material Ps adhering to the surfaces of the masking members 602 and 603 by means of vacuum force, to a recovery container (not shown) .
  • the powder electrode material P filled in the holes 602a and 603a of the masking members 602 and 603, respectively is covered with the corresponding portion 558b of the belt 558 and thus is by no means sucked by the vacuum force.
  • the pressure/driving roller 552 ' presses the belt 558 against the electrolyte membrane composite 610, thereby pressing the powder electrode material P filled in the holes 602a and 603a to increase the bulk density of the powder electrode material P.
  • the filling device 500 may be provided with an oscillator 570 that is attached to the container 502 containing the powder electrode material.
  • the oscillator 570 oscillates the container 502 to increase the bulk density of the powder electrode material filled in the holes 602a and 603a.
  • the filling device 500 is provided with a vacuum chamber 580 for applying to, that is, filling in the holes 602a and 603a of the masking members 602 and 603, respectively, a powder electrode material in a vacuum.
  • the vacuum chamber 580 includes at least the brush rollers 504 and 505.*
  • the vacuum chamber 580 may further include the container-* 502, may furthermore include the squeegees 506, and in addition, may include the pressure roller pair 508.
  • the vacuum chamber 580 is connected to a vacuum pump • 586 through a recovery chamber 582 and a filter 584.
  • the vacuum chamber 580 enables recovery of the powder electrode material dispersed to the periphery in the step of filling the powder electrode material. There is no particular limitation on a degree of vacuum in the vacuum chamber.
  • a vacuum chamber having the degree of vacuum of 1 to 40 kPa, which can be attained by a relatively low-cost vacuum pump is extremely effective for the electrode material and other such highly inflammable or combustible materials because such a chamber makes it possible to fill the powder electrode material with an improved bulk density as well as keep an oxygen concentration extremely low.
  • the filling step with the brush rollers 504 and 505 may be repeated in the filling device 500 as needed.
  • the leveling step with the squeegees 506 and the filling step may be repeated.
  • the pressing step with the pressure roller pair 508, the leveling step, and the filling step may be repeated instead.
  • the electrolyte membrane composite 610 is transported to a fixing part (not shown) where a heating/pressure roller heats and presses the powder electrode material to fix the material to the electrolyte membrane 601.
  • the fixing step is performed after the masking members 602 and 603 are peeled off.
  • the fixing step may be performed before the masking members 602 and 603 are peeled off, In this way, the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell (MEA) is manufactured.
  • a fuel cell is manufactured using the thus- prepared electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell (MEA) .
  • the fixing part (not shown) is arranged outside the vacuum chamber 580, but may be arranged inside the vacuum chamber 580.
  • Electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell is manufactured by applying to, that is, filling in the electrolyte membrane composite laminated with the masking member a powder electrode material in Embodiment 4.
  • an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell is manufactured by applying to, that is, filling in an electrolyte membrane laminated with no masking member a powder electrode material.
  • a filling device 700 is composed of a container 702 containing a powder electrode material, paired brush rollers 704 and 705 provided in the container 702, and a masking device 750.
  • the masking device 750 is composed of a pressure/driving roller 752, a tension roller 754, driven rollers 756 and 757, and a masking belt 758 stretched over the pressure/driving roller 752, the tension roller 754, and the driven rollers 756 and 757.
  • the masking belt 758 is rotated in a direction indicated by the arrow N by the pressure/driving roller 752. Holes 758a are bored in the masking belt 758 for forming a fuel electrode (anode) and an air electrode (cathode) .
  • An electrolyte membrane 801 is nipped between the two masking belts 758 and transported upwardly in the vertical direction as indicated by the arrow M through an opening 702a of the container 702.
  • the brush rollers 704 and 705 apply to, that is, fill in the holes 758a of the masking belt 758 a powder electrode material.
  • an electrode having a desired shape can be formed on the electrolyte membrane 801.
  • the brush rollers 704 and 705 are used as applying (or filling) means, but the present invention may adopt any general rollers for pressing the material into the holes instead of using the brush rollers.
  • rubber or resin-made rollers are used, and a powder electrode material may be attracted onto the electrolyte membrane 801 through the holes 758a of the masking belt 758 by means of an electrostatic force.
  • the material may be applied or filled by coating with a general powder coating spray gun, coating with a squeegee based on a rotary screen method, or imparting an electrostatic force thereto.
  • the filling device 700 may be provided with squeegees 706 downstream of the brush rollers 704 and 705 in a transport direction as indicated by the arrow M.
  • the squeegees 706 function to remove the powder electrode material adhering to the surface of the masking belt 758 or function as leveling members for leveling the powder electrode material filled in the holes 758a.
  • the squeegees 706 thus provided can scrape off an excess of the electrode material.
  • the squeegees 706 are not limited to plate-like members as shown in FIG. 19 but may be roll- or brush-like members.
  • the pressure/driving roller 752 presses the masking belt 758 against the electrolyte membrane 801, thereby pressing the powder electrode material P filled in the holes 758a to increase the bulk density of the powder electrode material P.
  • the filling device 700 may be provided with an oscillator 770 that is attached to the container 702 containing the powder electrode material. When the brush rollers 704 and 705 apply to, that is, fill in the holes 758a of the masking belt 758 a powder electrode material, the oscillator 770 oscillates the container 702 to increase the bulk density of the powder electrode material filled in the holes 758a.
  • the masking belt 758 separates from the electrolyte membrane 801 downstream of the pressure/driving roller 752.
  • the powder electrode material P with a desired shape adheres onto the electrolyte membrane 801.
  • the powder electrode material P is heated and pressed by a heating/pressure roller pair 775 to be fixed to the electrolyte membrane 801.
  • a fuel cell is manufactured using the thus- 5 prepared electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell (MEA) .
  • the filling device 700 is provided with a vacuum chamber 780 for applying to, that is, filling in the holes 758a of the masking belt 758 a powder
  • the vacuum chamber 780 includes the brush rollers 704 and 705, the container 702, the squeegees 706, the masking device 750, and the heating/pressure roller pair 775.
  • the heating/pressure roller pair 775 may be arranged
  • the vacuum chamber 780 is connected to a vacuum pump 786 through a recovery chamber 782 and a filter 784.
  • the vacuum chamber 780 enables recovery of the powder electrode material dispersed to the periphery in the step of
  • the filling step with the brush rollers 704 and 705 may be repeated in the filling device 700 as needed.
  • the leveling step with the squeegees 706 and the filling step may be repeated.
  • a pressure roller (not shown) may be additionally provided downstream of the squeegees 706 The pressing step with the pressure roller, the leveling step, and the filling step may be repeated.
  • Embodiment 6 Method of Manufacturing Electrolyte Membrane- Electrode Assembly for Fuel Cell
  • an electrolyte membrane- electrode assembly for a fuel cell is manufactured by applying to, that is, filling in an electrolyte membrane laminated with no masking member a powder electrode material.
  • a coating device 900 may be desirably a coating device as shown in Fig. 3 of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 5-76819.
  • the coating device 900 includes: a hopper 902 containing a powder electrode material; a rotary brush 904 arranged in the hopper 902; a hollow roll
  • the screen 906 having a hole 906a bored into a desired electrode shape; a screen 908 provided on the inner periphery of the hollow roll 906; and a compressed gas slit nozzle 910 provided inside the screen 908.
  • the screen 908 has fine meshes as compared with a particle size of the powder electrode material.
  • the outer diameter of the screen 908 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the hollow roll 906.
  • the screen 908 is attached to the hollow roll 906 and rotated together with the roll in a direction indicated by the arrow S .
  • the powder electrode material P in the hopper 902 is filled in the hole 906a bored in the hollow roll 906 by the rotary brush 904.
  • the powder electrode material P is stably filled therein by sucking the material from a suction port 902a of the hopper 902 (as denoted by V) .
  • the powder electrode material sucked from the suction port 902a may be recharged in the hopper 902 for circulation.
  • the hollow roll 906 having the powder electrode material P filled in the hole 906a rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow S.
  • An electrolyte membrane 951 is transported in a direction indicated by the arrow SI.
  • the hollow roll 906 is arranged facing the transported electrolyte membrane 951.
  • the compressed gas slit nozzle 910 is disposed so as to face the electrolyte membrane 951 across the hollow roll 906.
  • the powder electrode material P filled in the hole 906a is applied to the electrolyte membrane 951 by a compressed gas ejected from the compressed gas slit nozzle 910.
  • the hole 906a has a desired electrode shape, so that the powder electrode material P is applied to the electrolyte membrane 951 with the desired electrode shape.
  • the electrolyte membrane 951 is transported in the direction indicated by the arrow SI, nipped by a heating/pressure roller pair 912 disposed on a downstream side, and heated and pressed, whereby the powder electrode material P is fixed to the electrolyte membrane 951. In this way, an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell (MEA) is manufactured.
  • MEA fuel cell
  • a fuel cell is manufactured using the thus- prepared electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell (MEA) .
  • the coating device 900 may be provided with a low-pressure chamber 920. If the low-pressure chamber 920 is equipped with a recovery system and a coating operation is carried out in the low-pressure chamber 920, the powder electrode material dispersed to the periphery can be recovered.
  • Embodiment 7 Method of Manufacturing Electrolyte Membrane- Electrode Assembly for Fuel Cell
  • applying, that is, filling electrode ink and applying, that is, filling a powder electrode material are combined with each other.
  • An electrolyte membrane composite 1001 includes an electrolyte membrane 1002 and a masking member 1003 laminated on the electrolyte membrane 1002.
  • the masking member 1003 has a hole 1003a bored into a desired electrode shape, The above-mentioned filling device fills in the hole 1003a the electrode ink El, the powder electrode material P, and the electrode ink El in this order, making it possible to readily produce an electrode including a laminate composed of the electrode ink El and the powder electrode material P. Note that there is no particular limitation on types of the electrode ink and powder electrode material, the order of laminating those, and means for laminating those.
  • a method of mixing and applying the electrode ink and the powder electrode material is also included in the present invention.
  • description is focused on the electrolyte membrane.
  • the present invention is applicable to a method of laminating a gas diffusion layer (GDL) , PTFE used as an indirect transfer film, PET or PP treated into an easily detachable form, or other such masking member having a hole on one side, and applying the electrode ink etc. That is, the electrolyte membrane of the present invention, which is substituted by a gas diffusion layer or indirect transfer film, is within the scope of the present invention.
  • the electrode having a desired shape can be formed with accuracy without leaving a gap between the electrolyte membrane and the masking member. Also, it is unnecessary to separately mount the masking member to the coating device.
  • the electrode with the desired shape (pattern) can be manufactured with accuracy only by mounting the electrolyte membrane of the present invention to the coating device.
  • the electrode ink or/and powder electrode material adhering to the masking member and dried are taken up together with the masking member.
  • the taken- up masking member is transported to a catalyst manufacturer for reuse of platinum. Consequently, it is possible to dispense with a washing solvent for cleaning the masking member and to skip the cleaning step.
  • the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments but can be embodied in a variety of other modes without departing from a characteristic matter of the present invention.
  • the above-mentioned embodiments are merely given as an example and should not be exclusively construed.
  • the scope of the present invention is not restricted to this specification at all but is only defined by the sqope of claims. Further, all modifications and changes within the scope of claims and its equivalent fall within the scope of the present invention.

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  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
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  • Inert Electrodes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une membrane électrolyte servant à former une électrode de forme voulue d'excellente qualité et avec une productivité très efficace. Des éléments de masquage (12, 13) qui comportent des trous (12a, 13a) présentant une forme d'électrode voulue sont fixés sur au moins une face de la membrane électrolyte (11) pour pile à combustible, avant l'application, de manière autocollante ou au moyen d'un adhésif léger, d'une électrode sur la membrane.
PCT/JP2004/011727 2003-08-11 2004-08-10 Membrane electrolyte, composite de membrane electrolyte et procede de fabrication de ce composite, ensemble membrane electrolyte-electrode pour pile a combustible et procede de fabrication de cet ensemble, et pile a combustible WO2005015667A2 (fr)

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US10/567,135 US20060216563A1 (en) 2004-08-10 2004-08-10 Electrolyte membrane, electrolyte membrane composite, method of manufacturing electrolyte membrane composite, electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell, method of manufacturing electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell, and fuel cell
CA002532575A CA2532575A1 (fr) 2003-08-11 2004-08-10 Membrane electrolyte, composite de membrane electrolyte et procede de fabrication de ce composite, ensemble membrane electrolyte-electrode pour pile a combustible et procede de fabrication de cet ensemble, et pile a combustible

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JP2003-291207 2003-08-11
JP2003291207A JP4737924B2 (ja) 2003-08-11 2003-08-11 燃料電池用電解質膜、電解質膜複合体、電解質膜複合体のロールストックを製造する方法、燃料電池用電解質膜・電極アセンブリーを製造する方法、及び燃料電池を製造する方法

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WO2005015667A3 WO2005015667A3 (fr) 2006-11-23

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JP6930709B2 (ja) * 2017-08-17 2021-09-01 エムテックスマート株式会社 Ｐｅｆｃ型燃料電池用触媒形成電解質膜の製造方法
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EP2897199A4 (fr) * 2012-09-12 2016-05-18 Nec Energy Devices Ltd Rouleau d'électrode et procédé de fabrication de rouleau d'électrode
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CN114024011A (zh) * 2021-11-08 2022-02-08 苏州安洁科技股份有限公司 一种mea产品辊刀工艺
WO2023077636A1 (fr) * 2021-11-08 2023-05-11 苏州安洁科技股份有限公司 Procédé de coupe à rouleau pour produit mea
CN114024011B (zh) * 2021-11-08 2024-01-26 苏州安洁科技股份有限公司 一种mea产品辊刀工艺

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WO2005015667A3 (fr) 2006-11-23

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