摘要:
A start-up plating process for a flow cell battery is disclosed. Upon start-up of the flow-cell stack, catalysts may have deplated from the electrodes. The catalyst is replated to the electrode by application of currents to the stack prior to circulating electrolyte fluids.
摘要:
A membrane electrode assembly comprises an ion-conducting membrane; a first electrocatalyst layer having a surface facing the membrane; a first electronically-conducting porous gas diffusion substrate facing the other surface of the first electrocatalyst layer; and a first film member interposed between the membrane and the first electrocatalyst layer. The first electrocatalyst layer has an edge region and a central region, and the first film member contacts the edge region and not the central region. A first adhesive layer is present on the surface of the first film member facing the first electrocatalyst layer, and the first adhesive layer adheres the first film member to the first electrocatalyst layer, impregnates through the first electrocatalyst layer, and impregnates into the first gas diffusion substrate.
摘要:
A fuel cell including an anode-side catalyst coated membrane and a cathode-side catalyst coated membrane. At least a portion of a reduced-permeability layer is disposed between the ionically conductive membrane and the anode-side and cathode-side gas diffusion media, wherein the reduced-permeability layer is formed of a material that has a permeability that is less than a permeability of the ionically conductive member. The reduced-permeability layer may also be formed of a material that is softer than the ionically conductive membrane.
摘要:
A fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly composed of a ionically conductive member sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes including a catalyst loading characterized by catalytic activity that varies in proportion to the catalyst loading. Moreover, the fuel cell includes a flow path for supplying gaseous reactants to the electrodes and the catalyst loading is varied according to the flow path geometry.
摘要:
A porous diffusion media according to the present invention is positioned against a catalyst layer of the membrane electrode assembly, the porous matrix comprises carbon paper, and the water transfer particles comprise carbon fibers or powders. Relatively high and relatively low water transfer particle density regions alternate across the porous diffusion media. A first major face of the media may be collectively more hydrophilic than the second major face and the second major face may be collectively more hydrophobic than the first major face. The diffusion media is positioned against the catalyst layer along the first major face of the diffusion media and against a flow field of the fuel cell along the second major face of the diffusion media. The porous diffusion media comprises hydrophobic material disposed along the second major face of the diffusion media.
摘要:
A gradient of ionomeric material is generated, disposed, or otherwise provided in an electrode suitable for use in a fuel cell. The ionomer concentration, e.g., with respect to the carbon content of the catalyst layer (e.g., expressed as a ratio), is greatest in the area closest to the membrane, e.g., of the fuel cell (e.g., the membrane side), and is decreased in the area furthest from the membrane (e.g., the gas side). By way of another non-limiting example, the ionomer gradient can be formed such that the concentration (or the ratio if expressed in relation to the carbon content of the catalyst layer) can gradually, as opposed to rapidly, decrease as the distance away from the membrane increases.
摘要:
A fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly composed of a ionically conductive member sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes including a catalyst loading characterized by catalytic activity that varies in proportion to the catalyst loading. Moreover, the fuel cell includes a flow path for supplying gaseous reactants to the electrodes and the catalyst loading is varied according to the flow path geometry.
摘要:
An apparatus to control a swelling of a catalyst coated membrane in a fuel cell includes an insulator layer provided at a perimeter of the fuel cell. The insulator layer has a plurality of insulator films and is secured to a flow field plate. The insulator layer has a less compressibility relative to a gasket used in the fuel cell. A method for controlling a swelling of a catalyst coated membrane in a fuel cell includes providing an insulator layer at a perimeter of each of fuel cells in a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack is compressed for a predetermined duration when the catalyst coated membrane is in a substantially dry state. Passage of fuel is allowed inside the fuel cell thereby facilitating the catalyst coated membrane to swell. A swollen catalyst coated membrane is allowed to contact the insulator layer.
摘要:
A fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly composed of a ionically conductive member sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes including a catalyst loading characterized by catalytic activity that varies in proportion to the catalyst loading. Moreover, the fuel cell includes a flow path for supplying gaseous reactants to the electrodes and the catalyst loading is varied according to the flow path geometry.
摘要:
A membrane electrode assembly comprising an ionically conductive member and an electrode, wherein the electrode is a smooth, continuous layer that completely covers and supports the ionically conductive member. The electrode further comprises a central region and a peripheral region, wherein a gradient of electrochemically active material exists between the central region and the peripheral region such that a content of the electrochemically active material is greater in the central region than the peripheral region.