Barrier assembly for a water electrolytic battery

By introducing multi-layer barrier components into the water electrolysis battery, the problems of high cost and strict requirements for sealing height in polymer electrolyte membrane sealing design are solved, achieving the effects of reducing costs and improving sealing stability.

CN121862900APending Publication Date: 2026-04-14GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-25
Publication Date
2026-04-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing water electrolysis batteries, the sealing design of polymer electrolyte membranes is costly and has strict requirements for sealing height, making it difficult to operate stably under high pressure.

Method used

A multi-layer barrier assembly, including a barrier layer and a gasket layer, is used to bond the polymer electrolyte membrane and electrodes with an adhesive. The barrier layer extends beyond the active region to the inactive region, reducing the amount of membrane used and increasing sealing flexibility.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the cost of using polymer electrolyte membranes, improves the sealing stability and operational flexibility of water electrolysis batteries under high pressure, and simplifies the assembly process.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a barrier assembly for a water electrolysis cell comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane. A water electrolysis cell includes a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode. The porous transport layer is disposed adjacent the anode electrode. The gas diffusion layer is disposed adjacent to the cathode electrode. The cathode electrode, the anode electrode, and the polymer electrolyte membrane overlap in the active region. A barrier assembly includes a barrier layer including an inner edge and an outer edge defining an inner cavity. An inner edge of the barrier layer overlaps the first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane in the active region and is bonded thereto by an adhesive. An outer edge of the barrier layer surrounds the active region and extends into the inactive region.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention discloses a water electrolysis battery. Background Technology

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not otherwise constitute prior art at the time of filing are considered, neither explicitly nor implicitly, prior art to this disclosure.

[0003] This invention relates to water electrolysis batteries, and more particularly to barrier components for water electrolysis batteries comprising polymer electrode membranes.

[0004] Water electrolysis cells can be used to break down water (H2O) into molecular hydrogen (H2) and molecular oxygen (O2). A water electrolysis cell includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). The PEM is disposed between the cathode and anode electrodes. The PEM allows protons to pass through while maintaining gas separation. Electrolysis cells using a polymer electrolyte membrane typically include padding and a frame to support fluid flow. The padding and frame also provide seals to restrict flow to their respective areas. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A water electrolysis battery includes a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode. A porous transport layer is disposed adjacent to the anode electrode. A gas diffusion layer is disposed adjacent to the cathode electrode. The cathode electrode, anode electrode, and polymer electrolyte membrane overlap in an active region. A barrier assembly includes a barrier layer comprising an inner edge and an outer edge defining a cavity. The inner edge of the barrier layer overlaps with a first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane in the active region and is bonded to it by an adhesive. The outer edge of the barrier layer surrounds the active region and extends into the inactive region.

[0006] Among other features, the first gasket layer is bonded to a first side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive. The first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the anode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The first gasket layer corresponds to the cathode-side gasket.

[0007] Among other features, the second gasket layer is bonded to the second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive. The second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the side of the anode electrode facing the membrane by an adhesive.

[0008] Among other features, the first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the cathode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The first gasket layer corresponds to the anode-side gasket. The second gasket layer is bonded to the second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive. The second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the membrane-facing side of the cathode electrode by an adhesive.

[0009] Among other features, the first gasket layer does not extend into the active region. The inactive region comprises 20% to 60% of the combined area of ​​the active and inactive regions. The barrier layer is selected from polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide film, and combinations thereof. The adhesive includes pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0010] Among other features, the barrier layer has a first rectangular shape having a first rectangular cavity surrounding a portion of the active region. The first pad layer has a second rectangular shape having a second rectangular cavity surrounding the active region and a portion of the inactive region.

[0011] A water electrolysis battery includes a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode. A porous transport layer is disposed adjacent to the anode electrode. A gas diffusion layer is disposed adjacent to the cathode electrode. The cathode electrode, anode electrode, and polymer electrolyte membrane overlap in an active region. A barrier assembly includes a barrier layer comprising an inner edge and an outer edge defining an inner cavity. The inner edge of the barrier layer overlaps with a first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane in the active region and is bonded thereto by an adhesive. The outer edge of the barrier layer surrounds the active region and extends into an inactive region. A first gasket layer is bonded to the first side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive. The barrier layer is selected from polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide membrane, and combinations thereof. The adhesive includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0012] Among other features, the first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the anode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and the first gasket layer corresponds to the cathode-side gasket.

[0013] Among other features, the second gasket layer is bonded to the second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive. The second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the side of the anode electrode facing the membrane by an adhesive.

[0014] Among other features, the first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the cathode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The first gasket layer corresponds to the anode-side gasket. The second gasket layer is bonded to the second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive. The second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the membrane-facing side of the cathode electrode by an adhesive.

[0015] Among other features, the barrier layer has a first rectangular shape having a first rectangular cavity surrounding a portion of the active region. The first pad layer has a second rectangular shape having a second rectangular cavity surrounding the active region and a portion of the inactive region.

[0016] The present invention discloses the following embodiments:

[0017] 1. A water electrolysis battery, comprising:

[0018] Cathode electrode;

[0019] Anode electrode;

[0020] A polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode;

[0021] A porous transport layer is arranged adjacent to the anode electrode;

[0022] A gas diffusion layer is arranged adjacent to the cathode electrode.

[0023] The cathode electrode, the anode electrode, and the polymer electrolyte membrane overlap in the active region; and

[0024] Barrier components, including:

[0025] A barrier layer, the barrier layer including an inner edge and an outer edge defining the cavity,

[0026] The inner edge of the barrier layer overlaps with the first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane in the active region and is bonded to it by an adhesive; and

[0027] The outer edge of the barrier layer surrounds the active region and extends into the inactive region.

[0028] 2. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 1 further includes a first gasket layer bonded to a first side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive.

[0029] 3. The water electrolysis battery according to implementation scheme 2, wherein:

[0030] The first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the anode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and

[0031] The first gasket layer corresponds to the cathode-side gasket.

[0032] 4. The water electrolysis battery according to implementation scheme 2 further includes:

[0033] A second gasket layer is bonded to a second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive.

[0034] 5. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 4, wherein the second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the membrane-facing side of the anode electrode by the adhesive.

[0035] 6. The water electrolysis battery according to implementation scheme 2, wherein:

[0036] The first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the cathode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and

[0037] The first gasket layer corresponds to the anode-side gasket.

[0038] 7. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 6 further includes:

[0039] A second gasket layer is bonded to a second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive.

[0040] 8. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 7, wherein the second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the side of the cathode electrode facing the membrane by the adhesive.

[0041] 9. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 2, wherein the first pad layer does not extend into the active region.

[0042] 10. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 1, wherein the inactive region accounts for 20% to 60% of the combined area of ​​the active region and the inactive region.

[0043] 11. The water electrolysis battery according to implementation scheme 1, wherein:

[0044] The barrier layer is selected from polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide film, and combinations thereof, and

[0045] The adhesive includes pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0046] 12. The water electrolysis battery according to implementation scheme 2, wherein:

[0047] The barrier layer has a first rectangular shape, having a first rectangular cavity surrounding a portion of the active region, and

[0048] The first pad layer has a second rectangular shape, which has a second rectangular cavity surrounding the active region and a portion of the inactive region.

[0049] 13. A water electrolysis battery, comprising:

[0050] Cathode electrode;

[0051] Anode electrode;

[0052] A polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode;

[0053] A porous transport layer is arranged adjacent to the anode electrode;

[0054] A gas diffusion layer is arranged adjacent to the cathode electrode.

[0055] The cathode electrode, the anode electrode, and the polymer electrolyte membrane overlap in the active region; and

[0056] Barrier components, including:

[0057] A barrier layer comprising an inner edge and an outer edge defining a cavity, wherein the inner edge of the barrier layer overlaps with a first side of a polymer electrolyte membrane in an active region and is bonded thereto by an adhesive, and wherein the outer edge of the barrier layer surrounds the active region and extends into the inactive region; and

[0058] A first gasket layer is bonded to a first side of the barrier layer in the inactive area by an adhesive.

[0059] The barrier layer is selected from polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide film, and combinations thereof, and

[0060] The adhesive mentioned above includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0061] 14. The water electrolysis battery according to implementation scheme 13, wherein:

[0062] The first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the anode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and

[0063] The first gasket layer corresponds to the cathode-side gasket.

[0064] 15. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 13 further includes:

[0065] A second gasket layer is bonded to a second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive.

[0066] 16. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 15, wherein the second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the membrane-facing side of the anode electrode by the adhesive.

[0067] 17. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 13, wherein:

[0068] The first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the cathode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and

[0069] The first gasket layer corresponds to the anode-side gasket.

[0070] 18. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 17 further includes:

[0071] A second gasket layer is bonded to a second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive.

[0072] 19. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 18, wherein the second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the membrane-facing side of the cathode electrode by the adhesive.

[0073] 20. The water electrolysis battery according to embodiment 13, wherein:

[0074] The barrier layer has a first rectangular shape, having a first rectangular cavity surrounding a portion of the active region, and

[0075] The first pad layer has a second rectangular shape, which has a second rectangular cavity surrounding the active region and a portion of the inactive region.

[0076] Other areas of application of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0077] This disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0078] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of an example of a water electrolysis battery;

[0079] Figure 2 This is a plan view of an example of a water electrolysis battery;

[0080] Figure 3 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of an example of an assembly of a water electrolysis battery including a polymer electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 4This is a partial side cross-sectional view of another example of an assembly of a water electrolysis battery including a polymer electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure;

[0082] Figure 5 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of another example of an assembly of a water electrolysis battery including a polymer electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 6 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of another example of an assembly of a water electrolysis battery including a polymer electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure;

[0084] Figure 7A and 7B This is a partial side cross-sectional view of other examples of an assembly of a water electrolysis battery including a gasket-less polymer electrolyte membrane according to this disclosure; and

[0085] Figure 8 This is a partial side cross-sectional view of another example of an assembly of a water electrolysis battery including a polymer electrolyte membrane according to the present disclosure.

[0086] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0087] Although the components for water electrolysis batteries are described below in the context of producing hydrogen for fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen internal combustion engines, the components can be used in stationary applications and other types of applications.

[0088] Vehicles comprising one or more fuel cell stacks require a molecular hydrogen source. A water electrolysis cell, such as a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer connected to a power source and water, can produce high-purity, clean hydrogen.

[0089] A water electrolysis cell includes a membrane (e.g., a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM)) as well as cathode and anode electrodes. Water electrolysis cells typically include a pad and a frame to support fluid flow (e.g., water (H2O), molecular hydrogen (H2), and molecular oxygen (O2)). The pad and frame also provide a seal to restrict flow to their respective compartments. The membrane extends across the active region of the electrolysis cell. In current designs, the membrane also extends outward from the active region into the inactive region surrounding the active region.

[0090] The assembly for an electrolytic cell according to this disclosure includes a multilayer barrier assembly. The barrier layer of the barrier assembly overlaps with the outer edge of a layer in the active region. The barrier layer of the multilayer barrier assembly extends outward from the active region, rather than outward from the polymer electrolyte membrane, which reduces cost.

[0091] The barrier assembly also includes one or more gasket layers (or sub-gasket membranes) in the inactive regions to support the barrier layer. In multilayer barrier assemblies, the barrier layer and one or more gasket layers are bonded together using an adhesive. The barrier layer facing the membrane in the overlap region must have an adhesive layer. The adhesive in the overlap region provides additional sealing to the membrane. The additional gasket layers in the inactive regions provide relief from the sealing height.

[0092] The multi-layer design increases strength, enabling the water electrolyzer to operate at higher pressures. It also provides flexibility in sealing options, which is important for water electrolyzers because the sealing height is significantly higher than that of fuel cells. The use of additional gasket layers provides flexibility and reduces the required sealing height. Changing the window of the multi-layer barrier assembly also facilitates the positioning of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and porous transport layer (PTL) during assembly.

[0093] Now for reference Figure 1 An example of a water electrolysis cell 10 includes a cathode electrode 20, a membrane 28, and an anode electrode 36. A porous transport layer (PTL) 40 is arranged adjacent to the anode electrode 36. A gas diffusion layer 44 is arranged adjacent to the cathode electrode 20. Water (H2O) is supplied to the porous transport layer (PTL) 40. Energy source 50 provides energy between the cathode electrode 20 and the anode electrode 36.

[0094] The reduction reaction occurs at the cathode electrode 20 (which is negatively charged). Electrons (e) from the cathode electrode 20... - ) and hydrogen cations (H + These react to form molecular hydrogen (H2). At the anode electrode 36 (which is positively charged), an oxidation reaction occurs, producing molecular oxygen and donating electrons to the anode electrode 36 to complete the circuit. Two half-reactions (e.g., reduction and oxidation) are coupled to form an equilibrium system. For example, the half-reactions may include:

[0095] Cathode (reduction): 2H + (aq)+2e - →H2(g); and

[0096] Anodic oxidation: H₂O(l) → 1 / 2O₂(g) + 2H₂O + +(aq)+2e - .

[0097] Overall: 2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g)

[0098] Now refer to Figure 2The diagram shows a plan view of the components for a water electrolysis battery 10. The cathode electrode 20 and anode electrode 36 include outer edges defining the outer boundary of the active region 60. In a conventional battery, the membrane 28 extends beyond the active region 60 into the inactive region 70. Although the active region 60 and the inactive region 70 are shown as having rectangular cross-sections, they can have other shapes. The inactive region 70 may also include header ports 92, ports for tie rods 90, a sealing area, and a path extending to the edge of the electrolysis battery. The rectangular, frame-like outer portion 80 of the membrane 28 typically extends beyond the active region 60 into the inactive region 70 to provide a mounting surface for the water electrolysis battery 10. It is understood that the membrane 28 is expensive, and reducing the size of the membrane 28 would reduce the cost of the water electrolysis battery 10.

[0099] Now for reference Figure 3 The assembly 110 includes an anode electrode 114 and a cathode electrode 118. A membrane 122 (e.g., a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM)) is disposed between the inner surfaces of the anode electrode 114 and the cathode electrode 118. A porous transport layer 126 is disposed on the outer surface of the anode electrode 114. A gas diffusion layer (GDL) 130 is disposed on the outer surface of the cathode electrode 118.

[0100] The barrier assembly 138 includes a barrier layer 140 (or barrier membrane pad (SG)) located in the inactive region 170 and extending into and overlapping the outer edge of the active region 160. In some instances, the barrier layer 140 has a frame shape and an inner cavity 141. In some instances, the frame shape and the inner cavity are rectangular, but other shapes may be used. The inner edge (defining the inner cavity 141) is located inside the outer edge of the active region 160. A window frame or overlapping area is located between the edge of the inner cavity 141 and the outer edge of the active region 160.

[0101] Barrier layer 140 overlaps with the outer edge of membrane 122 between anode electrode 114 and membrane 122. Adhesive 144 bonds a first side of barrier layer 140 to the anode-facing side of membrane 122. Barrier assembly 138 also includes a first gasket layer 148 (or cathode pad) attached to the first side of barrier layer 140 by adhesive 144. In some embodiments, the first gasket layer 148 has a rectangular shape with an inner edge defining a cavity 149 surrounding an active or overlapping region and an inactive region. In some embodiments, barrier assembly 138 is supported on seal 150.

[0102] Now for reference Figure 4The assembly 210 includes an anode electrode 114, a cathode electrode 118, and a membrane 122. A porous transport layer 126 is disposed on the outer surface of the anode electrode 114. A gas diffusion layer (GDL) is disposed on the outer surface of the cathode electrode 118.

[0103] Barrier layer 220 extends from inactive region 170 into active region 160. Barrier layer 220 overlaps with the outer edge of membrane 122 between anode electrode 114 and membrane 122. Adhesive 224 bonds a first side of barrier layer 220 to the anode-facing side of membrane 122. A first pad layer 228 (or cathode sub-pad) is attached to the first side of barrier layer 220 via adhesive 224. Adhesive 234 bonds a second side of barrier layer 220 to anode electrode 114. A second pad layer 230 (or anode sub-pad) is attached to the second side of barrier layer 220 via adhesive 234.

[0104] In some instances, the first gasket layer 228 extends inward relative to the inner edge of the second gasket layer 230 to provide a gap for the porous transport layer 126, which extends into the inactive region 170. In other instances, the inner and / or outer edges of layers 228 and the second gasket layer 230 are aligned.

[0105] Now for reference Figure 5 The assembly 310 includes an anode electrode 114, a cathode electrode 118, and a membrane 122. A porous transport layer 126 is disposed on the outer surface of the anode electrode 114. A gas diffusion layer 130 is disposed on the outer surface of the cathode electrode 118.

[0106] Barrier layer 320 extends from inactive region 170 to the overlapping region in active region 160. Barrier layer 320 overlaps with the outer edge of membrane 122 between cathode electrode 118 and membrane 122. Adhesive 328 bonds a first side of barrier layer 320 to the cathode-facing side of membrane 122. First gasket layer 324 (or anode pad gasket) is attached to the first side of barrier layer 320 by adhesive 328.

[0107] Now for reference Figure 6 The component 410 includes an anode electrode 114, a cathode electrode 118, and a membrane 122. A porous transport layer 126 is disposed on the outer surface of the anode electrode 114. A gas diffusion layer 130 is disposed on the outer surface of the cathode electrode 118.

[0108] Barrier layer 420 extends from inactive region 170 to the overlapping region in active region 160. Barrier layer 420 overlaps with the outer edge of membrane 122 between cathode electrode 118 and membrane 122. Adhesive 428 bonds a first side of barrier layer 420 to the cathode-facing side of membrane 122. First gasket layer 424 (or anode sub-gasket) is attached to barrier layer 420 via adhesive 428. Adhesive 438 bonds a second side of barrier layer 420 to cathode electrode 118. Second gasket layer 430 (cathode sub-gasket) is attached to barrier layer 420 via adhesive 438.

[0109] Now for reference Figure 7A and 7B Components 510 and 610 are similar Figure 3 and 5 Components 110 and 310 in the middle, without a gasket layer.

[0110] Now for reference Figure 8 In some instances, PTL 126 is smaller than GDL 130. Gasket layer 230 extends into gasket layer 228 to provide additional strength to barrier layer 220. The pressure of molecular hydrogen PH2 is typically greater than the pressure of water PH2O, so the overlap length of the gasket layers is varied to provide additional strength to barrier the SG layer against the cathode-to-anode pressure bias.

[0111] It is understood that the outer edge (or overlapping area) of the membrane is attached to the barrier layer and / or one of the anode or cathode electrodes via an adhesive. The barrier layer extends into the inactive area rather than into the membrane. As a result, the required membrane size is significantly reduced. In some instances, the membrane size can be reduced by 20% to 60%.

[0112] In some instances, the barrier membrane is combined with one or more additional gasket layers in the inactive regions to provide structural robustness. The additional gasket layers can be disposed on one or both sides of the barrier membrane. The thickness of the additional gasket layers can vary to reduce the requirements on the seal. In some instances, one or more additional gasket layers have thicknesses ranging from 1 mil to 15 mils. One or more additional gasket layers also support the use of GDLs and PTLs with different thicknesses and / or sizes.

[0113] In some instances, the barrier layer is made of a material selected from polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide film, and combinations thereof. In some instances, the adhesive includes low-temperature pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). In some instances, the barrier layer has a thickness ranging from 0.4 mils to 10 mils. In some instances, the barrier film layer also serves as a carrier for sealing in non-active areas.

[0114] The barrier components described in this article reduce the sealing requirements for water electrolysis cells. Water electrolysis cells require at least twice the sealing height (e.g., on the water side compared to the molecular hydrogen side), which is challenging for current sealing designs.

[0115] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, description, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, although the various embodiments are described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in any of the other embodiments and / or combined with features of any of the other embodiments, even if such combinations are not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitution of one or more embodiments for each other remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0116] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connection," "joint," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on top," "above," "below," and "set." Unless explicitly described as "direct," when a relationship between the first and second elements is described in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted as indicating logic using non-exclusive OR (A OR B OR C) and should not be interpreted as indicating "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

Claims

1. A water electrolysis battery, comprising: Cathode electrode; Anode electrode; A polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode; A porous transport layer is arranged adjacent to the anode electrode; A gas diffusion layer is arranged adjacent to the cathode electrode. The cathode electrode, the anode electrode, and the polymer electrolyte membrane overlap in the active region; as well as Barrier components, including: A barrier layer, the barrier layer including an inner edge and an outer edge defining the cavity, The inner edge of the barrier layer overlaps with the first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane in the active region and is bonded to it by an adhesive; and The outer edge of the barrier layer surrounds the active region and extends into the inactive region.

2. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 1, further comprising a first gasket layer bonded to a first side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive.

3. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 2, wherein: The first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the anode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and The first gasket layer corresponds to the cathode-side gasket.

4. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 2, further comprising: A second gasket layer is bonded to a second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive.

5. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 4, wherein the second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the membrane-facing side of the anode electrode by the adhesive.

6. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 2, wherein: The first side of the polymer electrolyte membrane corresponds to the cathode-facing side of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and The first gasket layer corresponds to the anode-side gasket.

7. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 6, further comprising: A second gasket layer is bonded to a second side of the barrier layer in the inactive region by an adhesive.

8. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 7, wherein the second side of the barrier layer is bonded to the side of the cathode electrode facing the membrane by the adhesive.

9. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 2, wherein the first gasket layer does not extend into the active region.

10. The water electrolysis battery according to claim 1, wherein the inactive region accounts for 20% to 60% of the combined area of ​​the active region and the inactive region.