Membrane electrode of proton exchange membrane fuel cell and proton exchange membrane fuel cell
The four-layer frame membrane structure enhances the protection of the proton exchange membrane, solves the problem of easy damage to the proton exchange membrane in fuel cells, ensures the smooth flow of hydrogen and air and the discharge of battery water, and improves the stability of fuel cells.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUNAN ZHENBANG HYDROGEN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
In proton exchange membrane fuel cells, the ultrathin proton exchange membrane is easily damaged by gas pressure fluctuations, leading to irreversible damage to the fuel cell stack.
The four-layer frame membrane structure includes first and second frames for holding the proton exchange membrane, and third and fourth frames are thickened frames. The through-groove design increases the adhesion area of carbon paper, enhances the strength and toughness of the joint, and protects the proton exchange membrane.
It effectively prevents damage to the proton exchange membrane, ensures the smooth flow of hydrogen and air, promotes the discharge of water generated by the battery, and improves the stability and pressure resistance of the fuel cell.
Smart Images
Figure CN224248625U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically to a membrane electrode assembly and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Background Technology
[0002] The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) used in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is a component consisting of a proton exchange membrane, a catalyst layer, a diffusion layer, and a frame. The proton exchange membrane plays a crucial role in the fuel cell. Its primary function is to allow hydrogen ions (H+) to pass through the fuel cell. + It allows ions to pass through while blocking the passage of other ions or molecules. This selective permeability is mainly achieved through the chemical structure and physical properties of the proton exchange membrane.
[0003] To ensure the smooth passage of hydrogen ions, the proton exchange membrane is set to be extremely thin. Commonly used thicknesses range from tens to hundreds of micrometers, some less than a third the diameter of a human hair. Therefore, during the fabrication of membrane electrodes, extra care is taken to protect the proton exchange membrane from damage. Furthermore, the design of membrane electrode assemblies incorporates comprehensive protection measures for the proton exchange membrane.
[0004] Conventional membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) use two frame membranes to sandwich a proton exchange membrane containing a catalyst layer. These proton exchange membranes are ultrathin, only 8-12 micrometers thick. During fuel cell operation, if the hydrogen and air pressures are unevenly controlled, pressure fluctuations can occur at the junction of the inner frame of the MEA frame and the carbon paper edge. This ultrathin proton exchange membrane is at risk of being ruptured by the gas, causing irreversible damage to the fuel cell stack. Utility Model Content
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a membrane electrode assembly and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that can prevent the risk of the ultrathin proton exchange membrane being ruptured by gas, thus preventing the fuel cell stack from becoming irreversible.
[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:
[0007] A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell includes a proton exchange membrane. The proton exchange membrane has a first catalytic layer on its front side and a second catalytic layer on its back side. The dimensions of both the first and second catalytic layers are smaller than the dimensions of the proton exchange membrane, such that a first adhesive region is formed between the outer edge of the first catalytic layer and the outer edge of the front side of the proton exchange membrane, and a second adhesive region is formed between the outer edge of the second catalytic layer and the outer edge of the back side of the proton exchange membrane. A first frame is attached to the first adhesive region, and a second frame is attached to the second adhesive region. A third frame is attached to the first frame, and a fourth frame is attached below the second frame.
[0008] In one embodiment, a first through groove for accommodating the first catalyst layer is formed on the first frame; and a second through groove for accommodating the second catalyst layer is formed on the second frame.
[0009] In one embodiment, the first frame is provided with an upper carbon paper that is larger in size than the first through groove and is adhered to the first catalyst layer; the second frame is provided with a lower carbon paper that is larger in size than the second through groove and is adhered to the second catalyst layer.
[0010] In one embodiment, the first catalyst layer and the second catalyst layer are symmetrically arranged.
[0011] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first border and the second border is smaller than the thickness of the third border and the fourth border.
[0012] In one embodiment, a third through groove is provided on the third frame; a fourth through groove is provided on the fourth frame.
[0013] In one embodiment, the size of the third channel is larger than the size of the upper carbon paper; the size of the fourth channel is larger than the size of the lower carbon paper.
[0014] In one embodiment, the size of the third channel is smaller than the size of the upper carbon paper; the size of the fourth channel is smaller than the size of the lower carbon paper.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first catalyst layer is disposed on the front side of the proton exchange membrane by one of screen printing, spraying, or direct coating; the second catalyst layer is disposed on the back side of the proton exchange membrane by one of screen printing, spraying, or direct coating.
[0016] A proton exchange membrane fuel cell utilizes the membrane electrode assembly of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to any of the above embodiments.
[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0018] This invention utilizes a four-layer frame membrane structure comprising a first frame, a second frame, a third frame, and a fourth frame. The third and fourth frames are thickened frame membranes, while the first and second frames are thin frame membranes. The first and second frames hold the ultra-thin proton exchange membrane, and the dimensions of the first and second through-grooves are smaller than the outer dimensions of the upper and lower carbon paper, allowing the edges of the upper and lower carbon paper to adhere to the first and second frames. The third and fourth frames are respectively adhered to the first and second frames, thereby increasing the total thickness of the frame membrane in the gas port sealing area and gas drainage area of the model electrode. During fuel cell operation, this area provides effective support, ensuring the effective flow of hydrogen and air and the discharge of water generated by the battery. The upper and lower carbon paper are positioned within the inner frame of the third and fourth frames, with their edges adhering to the first and second frames. This structure increases the strength and toughness of the connection points between the edges of the third and fourth through-grooves and the upper and lower carbon paper. This effectively protects the ultrathin proton exchange membrane, thus effectively solving the problem of proton exchange membrane damage caused by pressure fluctuations in hydrogen and air during fuel cell operation. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front structure;
[0021] Figure 3 This utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the side structure;
[0022] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 1 A top view of the proton exchange membrane structure;
[0023] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the proton exchange membrane from a bottom view.
[0024] In the figure: 10. Proton exchange membrane, 11. First catalyst layer, 12. Second catalyst layer, 13. First bonding region, 14. Second bonding region, 15. Upper carbon paper, 16. Lower carbon paper, 20. First frame, 21. First channel, 30. Second frame, 31. Second channel, 40. Third frame, 41. Third channel, 50. Fourth frame, 51. Fourth channel. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0026] Example 1
[0027] like Figure 1-5 As shown, this embodiment includes a proton exchange membrane 10. The front side of the proton exchange membrane 10 is provided with a first catalytic layer 11 and the back side is provided with a second catalytic layer 12. In this embodiment, the first catalytic layer 11 and the second catalytic layer 12 are symmetrically arranged.
[0028] The dimensions of the first catalyst layer 11 and the second catalyst layer 12 are both smaller than the dimensions of the proton exchange membrane 10, such that a first adhesive region 13 is formed between the outer edge of the first catalyst layer 11 and the outer edge of the front side of the proton exchange membrane 10, and a second adhesive region 14 is formed between the outer edge of the second catalyst layer 12 and the outer edge of the back side of the proton exchange membrane 10.
[0029] In this embodiment, the distance between the outer edge of the first catalyst layer 11 and the outer edge of the front side of the proton exchange membrane 10 is 3-5 mm, forming a first adhesive region 13; the distance between the outer edge of the second catalyst layer 12 and the outer edge of the back side of the proton exchange membrane 10 is 3-5 mm, forming a second adhesive region 14; wherein, the width of the transverse region of the first adhesive region 13 and the second adhesive region 14 is smaller than the transverse length of the longitudinal region; and both the first adhesive region 13 and the second adhesive region 14 are frame-shaped.
[0030] The first adhesive area 13 is attached to the first frame 20, and the second adhesive area 14 is attached to the second frame 30. In this embodiment, the first frame 20 is provided with a first through groove 21 to accommodate the first catalyst layer 11, and the second frame 30 is provided with a second through groove 31 to accommodate the second catalyst layer 12. This allows the first frame 20 and the second frame 30 to clamp the proton exchange membrane 10. At the same time, the first catalyst layer 11 is located in the first through groove 21, and the second catalyst layer 12 is located in the second through groove 31.
[0031] The first frame 20 has an upper carbon paper 15 that is larger than the first through groove 21 and is attached to the first catalyst layer 11; the second frame 30 has a lower carbon paper 16 that is larger than the second through groove 31 and is attached to the second catalyst layer 12.
[0032] In this embodiment, the edge of the upper carbon paper 15 is pasted on the inner edge of the first through groove 21 of the first frame 20, while the middle part is pasted with the first catalyst layer 11; the edge of the lower carbon paper 16 is pasted on the inner edge of the second through groove 31 of the second frame 30, while the middle part is pasted with the second catalyst layer 12.
[0033] A third border 40 is pasted on the first border 20, and a fourth border 50 is pasted below the second border 30. The third border 40 has a third through groove 41, and the fourth border 50 has a fourth through groove 51.
[0034] The size of the third through groove 41 is larger than the size of the upper carbon paper 15; the size of the fourth through groove 51 is larger than the size of the lower carbon paper 16; thus, the outer edge of the upper carbon paper 15 is bonded to the first frame 20 and located in the third through groove 41 in the third frame 40; the outer edge of the lower carbon paper 16 is bonded to the second frame 30 and located in the fourth through groove 51 in the fourth frame 50.
[0035] The thickness of the first frame 20 and the second frame 30 is smaller than the thickness of the third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50. In this embodiment, the third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50 are thickened frame films, while the first frame 20 and the second frame 30 are thin frame films. The arrangement of the third frame 40, the fourth frame 50, the first frame 20, and the second frame 30 increases the total thickness of the frame films in the electrode port sealing area and the gas drainage area. During fuel cell operation, this area provides effective support, ensuring the effective flow of hydrogen and air and the discharge of water generated by the battery.
[0036] In one embodiment, the first catalyst layer 11 is disposed on the front side of the proton exchange membrane 10 by one of screen printing, spraying or direct coating; the second catalyst layer 12 is disposed on the back side of the proton exchange membrane 10 by one of screen printing, spraying or direct coating.
[0037] In one embodiment, the catalyst, Nafion, and dispersant are coated on the front and back sides of the proton exchange membrane by methods such as screen printing, spraying, or direct coating to form a first catalyst layer 11 and a second catalyst layer 12.
[0038] Therefore, this utility model employs a four-layer frame membrane structure consisting of a first frame 20, a second frame 30, a third frame 40, and a fourth frame 50 as the model electrode. The third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50 are thickened frame membranes, while the first frame 20 and the second frame 30 are thin frame membranes. The first frame 20 and the second frame 30 are used to clamp the ultra-thin proton exchange membrane 10. The dimensions of the first through groove 21 and the second through groove 31 are smaller than the outer dimensions of the upper carbon paper 15 and the lower carbon paper 16, allowing the edges of the upper carbon paper 15 and the lower carbon paper 16 to adhere to the first frame 20 and the second frame 30, respectively. The third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50 are respectively adhered to the first frame 20 and the second frame 30. This increases the total thickness of the frame membrane in the gas port sealing area and the gas drainage area of the model electrode. During fuel cell operation, this area provides effective support, ensuring the effective flow of hydrogen and air and the discharge of water generated by the battery. The upper carbon paper 15 and lower carbon paper 16 are disposed within the inner frame of the third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50, and their edges adhere to the first frame 20 and the second frame 30. This structure increases the strength and toughness of the connection points between the edges of the third through-groove 41 and the fourth through-groove 51 in the third frame 40 and the upper carbon paper 15 and the lower carbon paper 16. This effectively protects the ultrathin proton exchange membrane 10, effectively solving the problem of proton exchange membrane 10 damage caused by pressure fluctuations in hydrogen and air during fuel cell operation.
[0039] Example 2
[0040] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this embodiment includes a proton exchange membrane 10. The front side of the proton exchange membrane 10 is provided with a first catalytic layer 11 and the back side is provided with a second catalytic layer 12. In this embodiment, the first catalytic layer 11 and the second catalytic layer 12 are symmetrically arranged.
[0041] The dimensions of the first catalyst layer 11 and the second catalyst layer 12 are both smaller than the dimensions of the proton exchange membrane 10, such that a first adhesive region 13 is formed between the outer edge of the first catalyst layer 11 and the outer edge of the front side of the proton exchange membrane 10, and a second adhesive region 14 is formed between the outer edge of the second catalyst layer 12 and the outer edge of the back side of the proton exchange membrane 10.
[0042] In this embodiment, the distance between the outer edge of the first catalyst layer 11 and the outer edge of the front side of the proton exchange membrane 10 is 3-5 mm, forming a first adhesive region 13; the distance between the outer edge of the second catalyst layer 12 and the outer edge of the back side of the proton exchange membrane 10 is 3-5 mm, forming a second adhesive region 14; wherein, the width of the transverse region of the first adhesive region 13 and the second adhesive region 14 is smaller than the transverse length of the longitudinal region; and both the first adhesive region 13 and the second adhesive region 14 are frame-shaped.
[0043] The first adhesive area 13 is attached to the first frame 20, and the second adhesive area 14 is attached to the second frame 30. In this embodiment, the first frame 20 is provided with a first through groove 21 to accommodate the first catalyst layer 11, and the second frame 30 is provided with a second through groove 31 to accommodate the second catalyst layer 12. This allows the first frame 20 and the second frame 30 to clamp the proton exchange membrane 10. At the same time, the first catalyst layer 11 is located in the first through groove 21, and the second catalyst layer 12 is located in the second through groove 31.
[0044] The first frame 20 has an upper carbon paper 15 that is larger than the first through groove 21 and is attached to the first catalyst layer 11; the second frame 30 has a lower carbon paper 16 that is larger than the second through groove 31 and is attached to the second catalyst layer 12.
[0045] In this embodiment, the edge of the upper carbon paper 15 is pasted on the inner edge of the first through groove 21 of the first frame 20, while the middle part is pasted with the first catalyst layer 11; the edge of the lower carbon paper 16 is pasted on the inner edge of the second through groove 31 of the second frame 30, while the middle part is pasted with the second catalyst layer 12.
[0046] The thickness of the first frame 20 and the second frame 30 is smaller than the thickness of the third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50. In this embodiment, the third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50 are thickened frame films, while the first frame 20 and the second frame 30 are thin frame films. The arrangement of the third frame 40, the fourth frame 50, the first frame 20, and the second frame 30 increases the total thickness of the frame films in the electrode port sealing area and the gas drainage area. During fuel cell operation, this area provides effective support, ensuring the effective flow of hydrogen and air and the discharge of water generated by the battery.
[0047] A third border 40 is pasted on the first border 20, and a fourth border 50 is pasted below the second border 30. The third border 40 has a third through groove 41, and the fourth border 50 has a fourth through groove 51.
[0048] The third slot 41 is smaller than the upper carbon paper 15; the fourth slot 51 is smaller than the lower carbon paper 16.
[0049] In this embodiment, the size of the third channel 41 is larger than the size of the first catalyst layer 11; the size of the fourth channel 51 is larger than the size of the second catalyst layer 12, such that the area where the upper carbon paper 15 is attached to the first catalyst layer 11 is located in the third channel 41, and the area where the lower carbon paper 16 is attached to the second catalyst layer 12 is located in the fourth channel 51.
[0050] In one embodiment, the first catalyst layer 11 is disposed on the front side of the proton exchange membrane 10 by one of screen printing, spraying or direct coating; the second catalyst layer 12 is disposed on the back side of the proton exchange membrane 10 by one of screen printing, spraying or direct coating.
[0051] In one embodiment, the catalyst, Nafion, and dispersant are coated on the front and back sides of the proton exchange membrane by methods such as screen printing, spraying, or direct coating to form a first catalyst layer 11 and a second catalyst layer 12.
[0052] Therefore, this utility model employs a four-layer frame membrane structure consisting of a first frame 20, a second frame 30, a third frame 40, and a fourth frame 50 as the model electrode. The third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50 are thickened frame membranes, while the first frame 20 and the second frame 30 are thin frame membranes. The first frame 20 and the second frame 30 are used to clamp the ultra-thin proton exchange membrane 10. The dimensions of the first through groove 21 and the second through groove 31 are smaller than the outer dimensions of the upper carbon paper 15 and the lower carbon paper 16, allowing the edges of the upper carbon paper 15 and the lower carbon paper 16 to adhere to the first frame 20 and the second frame 30, respectively. The third frame 40 and the fourth frame 50 are respectively adhered to the first frame 20 and the second frame 30. This increases the total thickness of the frame membrane in the gas port sealing area and the gas drainage area of the model electrode. During fuel cell operation, this area provides effective support, ensuring the effective flow of hydrogen and air and the discharge of water generated by the battery. The area where the first catalyst layer 11 is adhered to the upper carbon paper 15 and the area where the second catalyst layer 12 is adhered to the lower carbon paper 16 are located within the third through groove 41 in the third frame 40 and the fourth through groove 51 in the fourth frame 50, respectively. Furthermore, the edges of the upper carbon paper 15 and the lower carbon paper 16 are adhered to the first frame 20 and the second frame 30. This structure increases the strength and toughness of the connection points between the edges of the third through groove 41 and the fourth through groove 51 in the third frame 40 and the upper carbon paper 15 and the lower carbon paper 16. This effectively protects the ultrathin proton exchange membrane 10, effectively solving the problem of proton exchange membrane 10 damage caused by pressure fluctuations in hydrogen and air during fuel cell operation.
[0053] Example 3
[0054] A proton exchange membrane fuel cell utilizes the membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 2 above.
[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the technical solutions of this utility model have been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A membrane electrode assembly for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, comprising a proton exchange membrane (10), wherein the proton exchange membrane (10) has a first catalyst layer (11) on its front side and a second catalyst layer (12) on its back side, characterized in that: The dimensions of the first catalyst layer (11) and the second catalyst layer (12) are both smaller than the dimensions of the proton exchange membrane (10), such that a first adhesive area (13) is formed between the outer edge of the first catalyst layer (11) and the outer edge of the front side of the proton exchange membrane (10), and a second adhesive area (14) is formed between the outer edge of the second catalyst layer (12) and the outer edge of the back side of the proton exchange membrane (10). A first frame (20) is attached to the first adhesive area (13), and a second frame (30) is attached to the second adhesive area (14). A third frame (40) is attached to the first frame (20), and a fourth frame (50) is attached to the bottom of the second frame (30).
2. The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first frame (20) has a first through groove (21) for accommodating the first catalyst layer (11); the second frame (30) has a second through groove (31) for accommodating the second catalyst layer (12).
3. The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first frame (20) is provided with an upper carbon paper (15) that is larger than the first through groove (21) and is attached to the first catalyst layer (11); the second frame (30) is provided with a lower carbon paper (16) that is larger than the second through groove (31) and is attached to the second catalyst layer (12).
4. The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first catalyst layer (11) and the second catalyst layer (12) are symmetrically arranged.
5. The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the first border (20) and the second border (30) is smaller than the thickness of the third border (40) and the fourth border (50).
6. The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 5, characterized in that: The third frame (40) has a third through groove (41); the fourth frame (50) has a fourth through groove (51).
7. The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third channel (41) is larger than the upper carbon paper (15); the fourth channel (51) is larger than the lower carbon paper (16).
8. The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 6, characterized in that: The size of the third channel (41) is smaller than the size of the upper carbon paper (15); the size of the fourth channel (51) is smaller than the size of the lower carbon paper (16).
9. The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first catalyst layer (11) is disposed on the front side of the proton exchange membrane (10) by one of screen printing, spraying or direct coating; the second catalyst layer (12) is disposed on the back side of the proton exchange membrane (10) by one of screen printing, spraying or direct coating.
10. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell, characterized in that: The membrane electrode assembly of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell according to any one of claims 1-9 is used.