ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE COMPRISING A DIFFUSION BARRIER, MEMBRANE ELECTRODE UNITS CONTAINING SAID MEMBRANES, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF AND SPECIFIC USES OF THE SAME

摘要

The invention relates to a proton conducting membrane, to a method for the production thereof and to the use of the same. The inventive membrane represents a novel class of proton conducting membranes, which can be used, in particular, in fuel cells. The disadvantage associated with conventional proton conducting membranes, which are based on a porous, flexible ceramic membrane, as disclosed in PCT/EP98/05939, said membrane being infiltrated by a proton conducting material, which is subsequently hardened, is that the electrolyte is washed out of membranes of this type by water or methanol. The inventive membranes comprise a coating that is insoluble in water and methanol as the diffusion barrier, said coating preventing the electrolyte from being washed out by the water or methanol. Said electrolyte membranes can be configured in a flexible manner and can be used without problems as the membrane in a fuel cell.