Multilayer polyelectrolyte membranes for fuel cells

摘要

Polyelectrolyte membranes are multilayer composites, comprising a plurality of porous or expanded fluoropolymer support layers having macromolecules, polymer aggregates and particles of ionomers with proton exchange groups imbibed into pores of the support layers. Preferred membranes contain two or three support layers. Exemplary support layers include expanded fluoropolymer materials such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). In one embodiment perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers are imbibed into pores of the support layers.