Method for applying electrode layers on a tape-like polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells

摘要

Electrode layer pattern is applied onto a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) web by continuously printing with an ink containing an electro-catalyst and immediately drying. An electrode layer pattern is applied onto a polymer electrolyte membrane web by printing front and back faces of the membrane continuously in the desired pattern with the electrode layers using an ink containing an electro-catalyst and immediately drying at elevated temperature. Printing is carried out while maintaining accurate positions of the patterns of electrode layers of front and back faces relative to one another. Independent claims are also included for the following: (i) application of patterned electrode layers onto a polymer electrolyte membrane web by printing one side of the membrane continuously in the desired pattern with the electrode layers using an ink containing an electro-catalyst and immediately drying at elevated temperature; (ii) production of a membrane-electrode unit by placing, adhesive bonding or laminating gas distribution structures onto a printed polymer electrolyte membrane produced by one of the above processes; and (iii) a PEM fuel cell membrane-electrode unit produced as described above.