Slurry for electrode catalyst layer of fuel cell, electrode catalyst layer, membrane electrode assembly, and fuel cell

Abstract

The present invention has an object to solve the problem by providing a fuel cell electrode catalyst layer with ease capable of exhibiting good output property on both low-humidified and high-humidified conditions, in a fuel cell electrode. The problem is solved in slurry including at least electrolytes, catalyst particles, and solvents, the solvents include two or more types of solvents and the two or more types of solvents cause a phase separation.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a slurry for a fuel cell electrode catalyst layer capable of constituting a fuel cell electrode catalyst layer of a solid polymer fuel cell, and an electrode catalyst layer, a membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell using the slurry. Background technique [0002] In recent years, fuel cells have been attracting attention as an effective solution to environmental problems and energy problems. A fuel cell oxidizes a fuel such as hydrogen using an oxidizing agent such as oxygen, and converts chemical energy accompanying the oxidation into electrical energy. [0003] Fuel cells are divided into alkaline type, phosphoric acid type, solid polymer type, molten carbonate type, solid oxide type, etc. due to different types of electrolytes. Solid polymer fuel cells (PEFC) are expected to be used as portable power sources, household power sources, and vehicle power sources because they operate at low temperatures, have high ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, under low humidification conditions, the water content of the electrolyte decreases and the proton conduction decreases

Therefore, protons cannot reach the three-phase interface, resulting in lowered output characteristics

In order to improve the proton conductivity and water retention, it is preferable to increase the electrolyte content in the electrode catalyst layer. However, if the electrolyte content is increased, the supply of the reaction gas will be hindered and the output will be reduced.

Moreover, under high humidification conditions, the swelling of the electrolyte will further hinder the supply of gas and cause a significant decrease in output power

[0009] In order to solve these problems, an electrode catalyst layer in which the electrolyte content in the electrode catalyst layer is more on the electrolyte membrane side and less on the gas supply side has been proposed, but there is a problem of increasing the manufacturing process (Patent Document 1)

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