Membrane electrode assembly and solid polymer fuel cell

Abstract

Provided are a membrane electrode assembly which has improved durability while maintaining power generation performance; and a solid polymer fuel cell which is provided with the membrane electrode assembly. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, the membrane electrode assembly comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer bonded to one surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a cathode catalyst layer bonded to the other surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, the membrane electrode assembly containing cerium ions, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane has a power generation region provided with a catalyst layer on both surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane in the center portion, and a non-power generation region not provided with a catalyst layer on at least one surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane in the outer peripheral portion. The content of cerium ions per unit area of the power generation region is greater than the content of cerium ions per unit area of the non-power generation region.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly and a solid polymer fuel cell. Background technique [0002] As a fuel cell that generates power through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas, a solid polymer fuel cell has attracted attention as an energy source. Solid polymer fuel cells are capable of operating at room temperature and have a high output density, so they are being actively studied as a form suitable for automotive applications and the like. [0003] In solid polymer fuel cells, electrodes (fuel electrode (anode catalyst layer) and air electrode (cathode catalyst layer)) composed of catalyst layers are bonded to both sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane as an electrolyte membrane. The membrane electrode assembly ("fuel electrode-solid polymer electrolyte membrane-air electrode") (hereinafter also referred to as "MEA"). In addition, gas diffusion layers may be further bonded to both su...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] Solid polymer fuel cells have the problem that electrolyte materials contained in solid polymer electrolyte membranes, etc. are easily degraded by hydrogen peroxide radicals generated during fuel cell power generation, etc.

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