Self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell

By designing a self-breathing structure in a flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell, the problems of small bending dimensions and low power density were solved, realizing a flexible battery with large-angle bending and high power output, reducing the battery volume and achieving integrated fuel supply.

CN115763915BActive Publication Date: 2026-03-03JIANGSU UNIV
View PDF 4 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202211607169.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-12-14
Publication Date
2026-03-03
Estimated Expiration
2042-12-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cells have small bending dimensions and low power density, which cannot meet the energy supply requirements of flexible electronic devices.

Method used

A self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell is designed. By setting circular holes in the contact area between the fuel column and the anode plate, setting cubic hollow grooves in the contact area between the anode plate and the anode gas diffusion layer, and setting hollow grooves in the contact area between the cathode plate and the cathode gas diffusion layer, the fuel can be self-supplied. The battery and the fuel generator are combined to form an integrated structure.

Benefits of technology

It has achieved a flexible battery with a large bending scale, maintained high power output, reduced the overall battery volume, increased the volumetric power density, and realized a self-breathing integrated fuel supply.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN115763915B_ABST
    Figure CN115763915B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present application belongs to the field of fuel cell technology, and relates to a self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell, which comprises a cylindrical fuel column and a fuel cell body surrounding the outer surface of the fuel column, an alkaline aqueous solution being contained in the cylindrical fuel column, and the fuel cell body being formed by bonding a membrane electrode, a current collector and a bipolar plate; in the region where the outer wall of the fuel column is in contact with the anode plate, a circular small hole is arranged along the X axis and the Y axis respectively and coincides with the region where the anode flow channel is located, so that fuel is transported to the anode plate; in the region where the cathode plate is in contact with the cathode gas diffusion layer, a hollow groove with the same depth as the thickness of the plate, the same length as the length of the cathode gas diffusion layer and a width of less than or equal to 5 mm is arranged at the head, the middle and the tail of the plate respectively, so that air reaches the cathode gas diffusion layer in a self-suction manner. The present application can realize self-supply of fuel, integration of the fuel cell and the fuel supply system, reduce the volume and obtain a higher volume power density.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fuel cell technology, and relates to proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and more particularly to a self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of technology, the size and weight of various electronic devices have been greatly improved compared to the past. People's demand for portable electronic devices is increasing, such as wearable devices, smart bracelets, and smartphones. To meet the energy requirements of the overall structure of these electronic devices, the development of flexible power sources is essential. However, traditional batteries (such as lithium-ion, sodium-ion, zinc-ion, solar, and fuel cells) are usually rigid structures, which to some extent limits their application in portable electronic devices. Therefore, attention has been turned to the development and research of flexible batteries. Among various types of power sources, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have a promising application prospect. PEMFCs are considered a promising power source for automobiles and transportation vehicles due to their high energy density, low-temperature operating capability, and fast charging capability. Similarly, these advantages will also have a positive impact on portable electronic products.

[0003] Research on flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has reached a relatively advanced stage. Starting with the individual components (bipolar plates, gas diffusion layer, proton exchange membrane, and catalyst layer) and the overall structural assembly, a series of flexible fuel cells have been developed. Regarding the flexible design of bipolar plates, Ikwhang Chang et al. used polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material to replace traditional graphite plates. In subsequent research, to further improve the conductivity of the bipolar plates, they added Ag nanowires to the PDMS, which improved the battery performance to some extent. Similarly, Hongnyoung Yoo et al. successfully fabricated flexible bipolar plates using 3D printing technology, achieving different curvatures (3.73m) in PEMFCs. -1 10.7m -1 15.6m -1 20.7m -1The bending of flexible gas diffusion layers (GDLs) is a concern. In the research of flexible gas diffusion layers (GDLs), Zeng Juntang et al. (patent CN202011132727.7) prepared GDLs by melting Al, mixing it with graphene, adding sodium oxide and a binder, and then hot-stamping it. Chen Xingwei et al. (patent CN202210741741.X) prepared GDLs using graphene composite materials, achieving flexible fabrication of GDLs. Flexible carbon cloth, CNT composite materials (such as TiC and CNT membrane composites), or other composite fibers are also used to replace traditional rigid carbon paper to achieve flexible bending of GDLs. For proton exchange membranes, traditional Nafion membranes possess excellent flexibility and remain the preferred choice for flexible proton exchange membranes, but some composite membranes can also be used as flexible proton exchange membranes. Polymer composite membranes based on photosensitive material SU-8, and membranes formed by combining 3-trihydroxysilyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (THPSA) and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) with nonwoven fabrics are also used as flexible proton exchange membranes.

[0004] However, current research on flexible PEMFCs is not yet in-depth. The mechanical strength and bending scale of the batteries are relatively small, making it impossible to achieve large curvature bending. At the same time, the power density of flexible PEMFCs is generally low, which cannot fully meet the energy supply needs of flexible electronic devices. Therefore, achieving large-scale bending of flexible PEMFCs while ensuring high power output remains a significant challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of conventional flexible batteries in the prior art, such as small bending dimensions, low power, and the need for external fuel supply systems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell includes a cylindrical fuel column and a fuel cell body surrounding the outer surface of the fuel column. An alkaline aqueous solution is contained within the cylindrical fuel column. The fuel cell body is formed by bonding a membrane electrode assembly, a current collector, and bipolar plates. Between the bipolar plates, in sequence, are an anode plate, an anode current collector, an anode gas diffusion layer, a proton exchange membrane, a cathode gas diffusion layer, a cathode current collector, and a cathode plate.

[0008] The anode gas diffusion layer, proton exchange membrane, and cathode gas diffusion layer are formed into a film electrode by hot pressing.

[0009] In the area where the outer wall of the fuel column contacts the anode plate, small circular holes are provided along the X-axis and Y-axis respectively, and they coincide with the area where the anode flow channel is located, so that the fuel can be transported to the anode plate;

[0010] In the area where the anode plate contacts the anode gas diffusion layer, there is a cubic hollow groove with a depth the same as the plate thickness, a length the same as the anode gas diffusion layer, and a width ≤ 5mm. The spacing of each cubic hollow groove along the X-axis is the same as the width of the cube, which facilitates fuel diffusion to the anode gas diffusion layer.

[0011] In the contact area between the cathode plate and the cathode gas diffusion layer, hollow grooves with a depth the same as the plate thickness, a length the same as the cathode gas diffusion layer, and a width ≤5mm are provided at the head, middle, and tail of the plate, respectively. This allows air to reach the cathode gas diffusion layer by self-absorption and also serves to protect the membrane electrode.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate layer used for the gas diffusion layer is a flexible porous conductive material, and more specifically, carbon paper or carbon cloth.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tail ends of the anode and cathode wires of the bipolar plate extend out of the battery body along the X-axis direction of the battery, which facilitates connection to the external circuit and realizes the circulation of the internal and external circuits of the battery.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bipolar plate is rectangular, and the length of the cathode plate in the X-axis direction is greater than the length of the anode plate in the X-axis direction, so that the beginning and end of the cathode and anode plates remain consistent in the Y-axis direction when bent.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alkaline aqueous solution is positioned below the lower edge of the lowest circular hole in the cylindrical tube wall to prevent leakage of the alkaline solution. After the battery is assembled, a metal that can react with the alkaline solution is added into the cylinder and then sealed.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel column is made of an alkali-resistant polymer material, and more specifically, of materials such as PVC or PP.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fuel cell body surrounds the outer surface of the cylindrical fuel column, and the coverage area is determined based on the relative size of the overall length of the fuel cell body and the circumference of the cylindrical fuel column.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the proton exchange membrane is a Nafion membrane, which is pretreated before use; specifically, it is a proton exchange membrane such as Nafion 115, 117, 211, or 212.

[0019] This invention combines the battery and fuel generator to achieve the integration of the flexible self-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell battery body and the fuel supply system, thereby reducing the overall volume of the flexible self-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell and thus obtaining a higher volumetric power density.

[0020] On the one hand, this invention enables flexible batteries to bend to a large extent, that is, to bend at a large angle in the direction perpendicular to the electrode surface, while maintaining the stability of the battery structure and high power output. On the other hand, it makes full use of the annular space formed by the bending of the battery to provide fuel to the battery anode. Under the condition of ensuring sufficient fuel supply, it eliminates the drawbacks of carrying a fuel supply system, realizes the integration of the battery body and fuel supply system of the self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell, reduces the overall volume of the battery, and improves the volumetric power density of the self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

[0021] The present invention also discloses the preparation methods of each component.

[0022] Design of the anode and cathode plates: such as Figure 1A As shown, the anode plate uses a flexible gasket or flexible plastic plate of a certain thickness as the base material, with a length L1 along the x-axis and a length L2 along the y-axis. A square region of a certain size is selected in the middle of the plate, and rectangles with a certain width and a length less than the side length of the square are divided along the y-axis. The distance between each rectangle along the x-axis is consistent, and the rectangular region is processed into a hollow groove. Similarly, as... Figure 1B As shown, the cathode plate uses a flexible gasket or flexible plastic plate of a certain thickness as the base material. Its length along the x-axis is L3 (L3 is greater than the length L1 of the anode plate along the x-axis), and its length along the y-axis is L4, which is consistent with the length of the anode plate along the y-axis. In a square area of ​​a certain size in the middle of the plate, the top, middle and bottom areas along the y-axis are divided into rectangles of a certain width and length less than the side length of the square. The distance of each rectangle along the x-axis is consistent. Then the rectangular area is processed into a hollow groove.

[0023] Fabrication of membrane electrodes:

[0024] The proton exchange membrane is a Nafion membrane, including Nafion 115, 117, 211, and 212. The proton exchange membrane is cut into squares of a specific size, acid-treated, and then soaked in ultrapure water for later use.

[0025] After the prepared catalyst slurry is fully ultrasonically dispersed, it is evenly sprayed onto both sides of the treated proton exchange membrane to ensure that the anode and cathode have a certain amount of platinum catalyst loading.

[0026] The gas diffusion layer uses a flexible, porous, and conductive material such as carbon paper or carbon cloth as the base layer, cut into squares the same size as the square area on the electrode plate, impregnated with a hydrophobic agent aqueous solution, dried, and sintered. A prepared microporous layer slurry (C powder and hydrophobic agent dissolved in an organic solution of a certain mass ratio) is uniformly dispersed and sprayed evenly onto the base layer to obtain a microporous layer with a certain loading. After drying, it is sintered at the same temperature. Then, the prepared anode and cathode gas diffusion layers and proton exchange membranes are stacked in a sandwich manner and hot-pressed (at a certain temperature and pressure) in a hot press to assemble the membrane electrode, as shown. Figure 2 As shown.

[0027] Battery assembly: such as Figure 3 As shown, the anode plate is placed flat. One end of an ultra-thin conductive material such as conductive copper tape, conductive adhesive, and metal mesh is bonded to the central square unprocessed area, and the other end extends outward along the X-axis of the anode plate to serve as the terminal for the external circuit of the anode. Then, double-sided tape is used to bond the outer area of ​​the square. Subsequently, the prepared membrane electrode is placed flat on the surface of the anode plate, ensuring that the gas diffusion layer of the anode coincides with the square area on the surface of the plate, while the part of the proton exchange membrane on the anode side that extends out of the square area is bonded to the anode plate.

[0028] Similarly, ultra-thin conductive materials such as conductive copper tape, conductive adhesive, and metal mesh are bonded to the unprocessed area within the square cathode plate. One end is located within this area, while the other end extends outward along the X-axis of the cathode plate for a certain length, serving as the terminal for the external cathode circuit. Double-sided tape is also used to bond a ring around the perimeter of the square. Then, the square area of ​​the cathode plate is overlapped with the gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode cathode. The portion of the proton exchange membrane extending beyond the square area on the cathode side is also bonded to the cathode plate. Figure 4 As shown.

[0029] Select PVC or other round tubes of varying radii that are not corroded by alkaline solutions. Seal the bottom. On the outer wall of the tube, select a square area with a side length slightly smaller than the side length of the square electrode plate. Machine evenly distributed small holes into this area to serve as channels for fuel H2 to enter the anode plate. Fix the assembled battery to the outer wall of the round tube, ensuring that the square flow channel area of ​​the battery's anode plate roughly coincides with the perforated area on the outer wall of the round tube. Figure 5 As shown. Finally, add the alkaline solution into the tube, with the liquid level below the bottom of the lowest area of ​​the orifice. Then, add the active metal and seal the top of the tube to ensure that no gas leaks.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] The flexible self-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell disclosed in this invention has a large bending dimension and can provide high power. It can achieve self-supply of fuel, thereby realizing the integration of the battery and the fuel supply system, reducing the overall volume of the flexible self-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and obtaining a higher volumetric power density. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Schematic diagrams of anode and cathode plates and flow channels, A is a schematic diagram of anode plate and flow channel, B is a schematic diagram of cathode plate and flow channel;

[0033] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of membrane electrode structure, A is horizontal state, B is curved state;

[0034] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the bipolar plate;

[0035] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of a flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell assembly;

[0036] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of flexible assembly of a flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell;

[0037] The components are named as follows: 101 is the anode plate with a length of L1, 102 is the anode flow channel, 103 is the cathode plate with a length of L2, 104 is the cathode flow channel, 201 is the proton exchange membrane, 202 is the anode gas diffusion layer, 203 is the cathode gas diffusion layer, 301 is the anode current collector, 302 is the cathode current collector, 401 is the outer wall of the fuel column, and 402 is the inner wall of the fuel column. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] A self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell includes a cylindrical fuel column and a fuel cell body surrounding the outer surface of the fuel column. An alkaline aqueous solution is contained within the cylindrical fuel column. The fuel cell body is formed by bonding a membrane electrode assembly, a current collector, and bipolar plates. Between the bipolar plates, in sequence, are an anode plate 101, an anode current collector 301, an anode gas diffusion layer 202, a proton exchange membrane 201, a cathode gas diffusion layer 203, a cathode current collector 302, and a cathode plate 103.

[0041] The anode gas diffusion layer 202, proton exchange membrane 201, and cathode gas diffusion layer 203 are formed by hot pressing of the electrode.

[0042] In the area where the outer wall 401 of the fuel column contacts the anode plate 101, small circular holes are provided along the X-axis and Y-axis respectively, which coincide with the area where the anode flow channel 102 is located, so that the fuel can be transported to the anode plate 101.

[0043] In the area where the anode plate 101 contacts the anode gas diffusion layer 202, there is a cubic hollow groove with a depth the same as the plate thickness, a length the same as the anode gas diffusion layer 202, and a width ≤ 5mm. The spacing of each cubic hollow groove along the X-axis is the same as the width of the cube, which facilitates the diffusion of fuel to the anode gas diffusion layer 202.

[0044] In the contact area between the cathode electrode 103 and the cathode gas diffusion layer 203, hollow grooves with a depth the same as the electrode thickness, a length the same as the cathode gas diffusion layer 203, and a width ≤5mm are provided at the head, middle, and tail of the electrode, respectively. This facilitates air to reach the cathode gas diffusion layer 203 by self-absorption and also serves to protect the membrane electrode.

[0045] Design of the anode and cathode plates: such as Figure 1A As shown, the anode plate uses a 2mm thick silicone pad as the base material, with a length of L1 = 8cm in the x-axis direction (L = 2πR, R = 1.8cm, 5cm ≤ L1 ≤ 11.3cm) and a length of 5cm in the y-axis direction. The 3×3cm square area in the middle of this plate is divided into rectangles 2.5mm wide and 2.5cm long along the y-axis direction, with a distance of 2.5mm between each rectangle. The divided rectangular areas are then machined into hollow grooves to form channels for fuel to enter the catalyst layer on the anode side. Similarly, as... Figure 1B As shown, the cathode bipolar plate uses a 2mm thick silicone pad as the base material, with a length of L3 = 8.5cm (L3 = L1 + 0.5cm) in the x-axis direction and a length of 5cm in the y-axis direction. In a 3×3cm square area in the center of the plate, rectangular hollow grooves, 2.5mm wide and 2.5cm long, are machined at the top, middle, and bottom in the y-axis direction to serve as cathode flow channels.

[0046] Fabrication of membrane electrodes:

[0047] The proton exchange membrane was a Nafion 212 membrane. The pretreatment method was as follows: the Nafion 212 membrane was cut into 4×4cm cubes, bathed in 5% hydrogen peroxide at 80°C for one hour, then bathed in 5% sulfuric acid solution at 80°C for another hour, and then soaked in ultrapure water for later use.

[0048] After ultrasonically dispersing the prepared catalyst slurry for one hour, it was evenly sprayed onto both sides of the treated Nafion 212 membrane using a spray gun, ensuring a sprayed area of ​​3×3 cm. The platinum loading on the anode side was 0.2 mg / cm³. 2 The platinum loading on the cathode side catalyst is 0.4 mg / cm³. 2 This refers to the CCM method.

[0049] For the gas diffusion layer, flexible carbon cloth was used as the substrate, cut into 3×3cm squares. After impregnation with a 24% (w / w) PTFE aqueous solution and drying at 70°C, a substrate layer with a PTFE content of 15% (w / w) was obtained. This was then sintered at 370°C for 30 minutes to achieve higher hydrophobicity. The prepared microporous layer slurry (isopropanol solution with a carbon powder:PTFE ratio of 85:15) was ultrasonically dispersed and uniformly sprayed using a spray gun to achieve a carbon powder loading of 2 mg / cm³. 2 After drying at 70℃ for two hours, the material is sintered at 370℃ for 30 minutes to ensure that PTFE is fully and uniformly dispersed within the microporous layer, thus guaranteeing excellent hydrophobicity. Then, the prepared anode and cathode gas diffusion layers and proton exchange membranes are stacked in a sandwich configuration and hot-pressed at 140℃ for 3 minutes at a pressure of 8MPa to assemble the membrane electrode assembly. Figure 2 As shown.

[0050] Battery assembly: such as Figure 3 As shown, the anode plate is placed flat on the table. One end of the conductive copper tape is bonded to the middle 3×3cm unprocessed area, and the other end extends outward 3cm along the X-axis of the anode plate as the terminal for the external circuit of the anode. Then, double-sided tape is used to bond the outer 3×3cm area. The prepared membrane electrode is then placed flat on the surface of the anode bipolar plate, ensuring that the gas diffusion layer of the anode coincides with the 3×3cm area on the surface of the electrode plate. The area of ​​the Nafion membrane on the anode side that extends beyond the flow channel is bonded to the double-sided tape of the anode plate to ensure that the gas does not pass through the boundary of the anode proton exchange membrane electrode to reach the cathode.

[0051] Similarly, conductive copper tape is bonded to the unprocessed area in the middle of the 3×3cm cathode plate, with one end located in this area and the other end extending outward 3cm along the X-axis of the cathode plate as the terminal for the external circuit of the cathode. Double-sided tape is used to bond a ring around the 3×3cm outer area. Then, the 3×3cm area of ​​the cathode plate is bonded to the gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode cathode. The area of ​​the Nafion membrane on the cathode side that extends beyond the flow channel is also bonded to the double-sided tape of the cathode plate to ensure that gas does not pass through the boundary of the cathode proton exchange membrane electrode to reach the anode. Figure 4 As shown.

[0052] Select a PVC or other round tube with a radius of 1.8cm that is not corroded by alkaline solutions. On its outer wall, select a 2.8×2.8cm area and machine it into evenly distributed circular holes with a diameter of 1mm to serve as channels for gas to enter the anode plate. Secure the assembled battery to the outer wall of the round tube with cable ties, ensuring the 3×3cm flow channel area of ​​the battery's anode plate is tightly fitted against the perforated area on the outer wall of the round tube. Figure 5 As shown. Finally, a 1.0 mol / L potassium hydroxide aqueous solution was added into the tube, with the liquid level 1 cm below the bottom of the orifice area. After adding the aluminum sheet, the top of the round tube was sealed to ensure that no gas leakage occurred.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] In addition to using the same membrane electrode preparation method, catalyst loading, gas diffusion layer carbon powder loading, bipolar plate material and alkaline solution as in (Example 1), the radius of the circular tube was changed to 1.2 cm, the length of the anode plate along the x-axis L1 = 6 cm (L = 2πR, R = 1.2 cm, 5 cm ≤ L1 ≤ 7.5 cm), and the length of the cathode plate along the x-axis L3 = 6.5 cm.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] Except for using the same membrane electrode preparation method, catalyst loading, gas diffusion layer carbon powder loading, bipolar plate material, and alkaline solution as in (Example 1), the radius of the circular tube was changed to 1.5 cm, the length of the anode plate along the x-axis L1 = 8 cm (L = 2πR, R = 1.5 cm, 5 cm ≤ L1 ≤ 9.4 cm), and the length of the cathode plate along the x-axis L3 = 8.5 cm. The power density of the battery is 75 mW / cm³. 2 After 30 hours of polarization curve cycling testing, the battery performance decreased by only about 15%.

[0057] Example 4

[0058] In addition to using the same membrane electrode preparation method, catalyst loading, gas diffusion layer carbon powder loading, bipolar plate material and alkaline solution as in (Example 1), the radius of the circular tube was changed to 2.7 cm, the length of the anode plate along the x-axis L1 = 8 cm (L = 2πR, R = 1.2 cm, 5 cm ≤ L1 ≤ 17 cm), and the length of the cathode plate along the x-axis L3 = 8.5 cm.

[0059] Comparative Example 1

[0060] Except for using the same membrane electrode preparation method as (Example 1), the diameter of the circular tube, the length of the bipolar plate, the carbon powder loading of the gas diffusion layer, the bipolar plate material and length, the concentration of the alkaline solution was changed to 2.0 mol / L.

[0061] Comparative Example 2

[0062] Except for using the same membrane electrode preparation method as (Example 2), the diameter of the circular tube, the length of the bipolar plate, the carbon powder loading of the gas diffusion layer, the bipolar plate material and length, the concentration of the alkaline solution was changed to 2.0 mol / L.

[0063] Comparative Example 3

[0064] Except for using the same membrane electrode preparation method as (Example 3), the diameter of the circular tube, the length of the bipolar plate, the carbon powder loading of the gas diffusion layer, the bipolar plate material and length, the concentration of the alkaline solution was changed to 2.0 mol / L.

[0065] Comparative Example 4

[0066] Except for using the same membrane electrode preparation method as in Example 4, the diameter of the circular tube, the length of the bipolar plate, the carbon powder loading of the gas diffusion layer, the bipolar plate material and length, the concentration of the alkaline solution was changed to 2.0 mol / L.

[0067] Table 1

[0068]

[0069]

[0070] According to the embodiments disclosed in this invention, a self-breathing proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a large bending dimension can be provided. This cell has a relatively high power density and integrates the flexible cell body and the fuel supply system, thereby improving the volumetric density of the cell.

[0071] It should be noted that, according to the various embodiments described in this invention, those skilled in the art can fully realize the scope of the independent and dependent claims of this invention, and the implementation process and method are the same as those described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the parts of this invention not described in detail belong to the well-known technology in the field.

Claims

1. A self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell, comprising a cylindrical fuel column and a fuel cell body surrounding the outer surface of the fuel column, an alkaline aqueous solution being contained in the cylindrical fuel column, the fuel cell body being bonded by a membrane electrode, a current collector and a bipolar plate, i.e. an anode plate (101), an anode current collector (301), an anode gas diffusion layer (202), a proton exchange membrane (201), a cathode gas diffusion layer (203), a cathode current collector (302) and a cathode plate (103), characterized in that: the anode gas diffusion layer (202), the proton exchange membrane (201) and the cathode gas diffusion layer (203) are formed into a membrane electrode by hot pressing; in the area where the outer wall (401) of the fuel column is in contact with the anode plate (101), circular holes are provided along the X-axis and the Y-axis respectively and coincide with the area where the anode flow channel (102) is located, so as to transport fuel to the anode plate (101); in the area where the anode plate (101) is in contact with the anode gas diffusion layer (202), a cuboid hollow groove with the same depth as the thickness of the plate, the same length as the length of the anode gas diffusion layer (202) and a width ≤5mm is provided, and the spacing of each cuboid hollow groove along the X-axis direction is consistent with the width of the cuboid, so as to facilitate the diffusion of fuel to the anode gas diffusion layer (202); in the area where the cathode plate (103) is in contact with the cathode gas diffusion layer (203), a hollow groove with the same depth as the thickness of the plate, the same length as the length of the cathode gas diffusion layer (203) and a width ≤5mm is provided at the head, the middle and the tail of the plate respectively, so as to facilitate the air to reach the cathode gas diffusion layer (203) by self-suction and play a role in protecting the membrane electrode; the alkaline aqueous solution has a liquid level lower than the lower edge of the lowermost circular hole of the cylindrical wall to prevent leakage of the alkaline solution; after the battery is assembled, a metal that can react with the alkaline solution is added into the cylinder and sealed. The substrate layer used in the gas diffusion layer is a flexible porous conductive material. The substrate layer is carbon paper or carbon cloth. The tail ends of the anode and cathode lead wires of the bipolar plate extend out of the battery body along the X-axis direction of the battery, facilitating the connection of the external circuit and realizing the circulation of the internal and external circuits of the battery. The bipolar plate is rectangular, and the length of the cathode plate in the X-axis direction is greater than the length of the anode in the X-axis direction, so that the head and tail ends of the anode and cathode plates remain consistent in the Y-axis direction when bent. The fuel column is made of an alkali-resistant polymer material.

2. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 1, wherein: The fuel column is made of PVC or PP.

3. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 2, wherein: The fuel cell body surrounds the outer surface of the cylindrical fuel column, and the covered area is determined according to the relative size of the overall length of the battery body and the circumference of the cylindrical fuel column.

4. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 1, wherein: The proton exchange membrane is a Nafion membrane, which is pretreated before use.

5. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 1, wherein: The Nafion membrane is a Nafion 115, 117, 211 or 212 proton exchange membrane.

6. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 1, wherein: ​ 7. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 6, wherein: ​ 8. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 1, wherein: ​ 9. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 1, wherein: ​ 10. The self-breathing flexible proton exchange membrane fuel cell of claim 9, wherein: ​

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Flexible fuel cell gas diffusion layer and preparation method

    CN112259748A

  • Fuel cell gas diffusion layer, preparation method thereof and fuel cell membrane electrode

    CN115101771A

  • Tapered cylindrical membrane electrode for oxyhydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cell

    CN102122717A

  • Electrochemical cells

    CN1853005A