Membrane electrode with self-supporting structure
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INNER MONGOLIA YIPAI HYDROGEN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
Smart Images
Figure CN224537076U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel cell technology, specifically a membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure. Background Technology
[0002] Membrane electrode assembly (MEA), as a core component of new energy equipment such as fuel cells and water electrolysis hydrogen production devices, is a key component for energy conversion. Its basic structure typically consists of a proton exchange membrane, a catalyst layer, and a gas diffusion layer. The proton exchange membrane is mainly responsible for conducting protons and separating fuel from oxidant, while the catalyst layer accelerates the electrochemical reaction by loading a catalyst. The gas diffusion layer undertakes important functions such as gas transport, electron conduction, and water management.
[0003] During operation, the membrane electrode realizes the energy conversion of fuel (such as hydrogen) and oxidant (such as oxygen) through electrochemical reactions, generating electrical energy or promoting chemical reactions. Its performance directly determines the efficiency, lifespan and stability of new energy equipment.
[0004] However, existing membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) lack a support structure, resulting in limited mechanical support strength. Under pressure during fuel cell assembly or due to vibration or external impact during equipment operation, MEAs are prone to deformation. This deformation not only disrupts the structural stability between the layers of the MEA but may also damage the proton exchange membrane, thereby affecting proton conduction efficiency and reducing the overall performance of the equipment. To address this, we provide a MEA with a self-supporting structure. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure includes a proton exchange membrane, a catalytic layer on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, a supporting structure layer on the side of the catalytic layer away from the proton exchange membrane, a gas diffusion layer on the side of the supporting structure layer away from the catalytic layer, and an encapsulation component between the outer edges of the gas diffusion layer, the proton exchange membrane, the catalytic layer and the supporting structure layer.
[0008] As a further embodiment of this invention: the two catalyst layers are an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane.
[0009] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the supporting structure layer includes a supporting outer frame, inside which are arranged a plurality of evenly arranged vertical hollow tubes, and inside which are also arranged a plurality of evenly distributed horizontal hollow tubes, the vertical hollow tubes and the horizontal hollow tubes being perpendicular to each other to form a mesh structure.
[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model: the vertical hollow tube and the horizontal hollow tube are interconnected, and both the horizontal hollow tube and the vertical hollow tube are provided with a number of ventilation holes.
[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the encapsulation component includes an encapsulation frame, and the gas diffusion layer, proton exchange membrane, catalytic layer and support structure layer are all encapsulated inside the encapsulation frame.
[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, the inner surface of the encapsulation frame is also provided with a rubber inner layer.
[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, the shape of the vent hole is circular or polygonal.
[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, the shape of the supporting outer frame is adapted to the shape of the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0016] 1. The present invention provides uniform and stable support force through the set mesh structure support layer. Under the pressure during the fuel cell assembly process or when the equipment is subjected to vibration or external impact during operation, the support can effectively disperse stress, prevent the membrane electrode from deforming, maintain the stability of the internal structure of the membrane electrode, prevent the proton exchange membrane from being damaged, and extend the service life of the membrane electrode.
[0017] 2. The supporting structure layer of this utility model adopts a mesh structure formed by splicing horizontal hollow tubes and vertical hollow tubes. Multiple air vents are opened on the outer wall of the horizontal and vertical hollow tubes. The multiple air vents are respectively set in the mesh of the mesh structure, which can effectively shorten the gas transmission path. The gas can directly contact the catalyst layer of the membrane electrode through the air vents. Compared with the traditional membrane electrode which needs to diffuse through multiple layers of structure, the gas diffusion resistance is significantly reduced and the reaction rate of the membrane electrode is effectively improved. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a leaking structure for a membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of a membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the supporting structure layer in a membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure.
[0022] The components include: 1. Encapsulation components; 2. Gas diffusion layer; 3. Proton exchange membrane; 4. Catalytic layer; 5. Supporting structure layer.
[0023] 51. Supporting outer frame; 52. Ventilation holes; 53. Horizontal hollow tube; 54. Vertical hollow tube;
[0024] 101. Encapsulation frame; 102. Rubber inner layer. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] Please see Figures 1-4 In this embodiment of the invention, a membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure includes a proton exchange membrane 3. Catalyst layers 4 are provided on both sides of the proton exchange membrane 3, namely an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer, respectively, located on opposite sides of the proton exchange membrane 3. A support structure layer 5 is provided on the side of each catalyst layer 4 away from the proton exchange membrane 3, and a gas diffusion layer 2 is provided on the side of each support structure layer 5 away from the catalyst layer 4. A space is provided between the outer edges of the gas diffusion layer 2, the proton exchange membrane 3, the catalyst layer 4, and the support structure layer 5. The membrane electrode assembly includes an encapsulation component 1. When the membrane electrode is in operation, hydrogen and oxygen diffuse through the gas diffusion layer 2 and the supporting structure layer 5 to the catalytic layer 4. In the anode catalytic layer, hydrogen is oxidized under the action of the catalyst, releasing electrons and protons. Electrons form an electric current through an external circuit, while protons remain in the catalytic layer. In the cathode catalytic layer, oxygen reacts with electrons and protons to generate water. The proton exchange membrane 3 selectively conducts protons and isolates the gas. The water generated at the cathode is discharged through the supporting structure layer 5 and the gas diffusion layer 2. The encapsulation component 1 ensures the airtightness of the structure, ensures the stable operation of each link, and realizes the efficient conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy.
[0027] The supporting structure layer 5 includes a supporting outer frame 51, inside which are arranged a plurality of evenly distributed vertical hollow tubes 54 and a plurality of evenly distributed horizontal hollow tubes 53. The vertical hollow tubes 54 and the horizontal hollow tubes 53 are perpendicular to each other to form a mesh structure. The vertical hollow tubes 54 and the horizontal hollow tubes 53 are interconnected. A plurality of vent holes 52 are provided on both the horizontal hollow tubes 53 and the vertical hollow tubes 54. The vent holes 52 are circular or polygonal in shape. The shape of the supporting outer frame 51 is adapted to the shape of the catalyst layer 4 and the gas diffusion layer 2. The supporting structure layer 5 is formed by splicing horizontal hollow tubes 53 and vertical hollow tubes 54 to form a mesh structure. Multiple air vents 52 are opened on the outer wall of the horizontal hollow tubes 53 and the vertical hollow tubes 54. The multiple air vents 52 are respectively set in the mesh of the mesh structure, which can effectively shorten the gas transmission path. The gas can directly contact the catalyst layer 4 of the membrane electrode through the air vents 52, which significantly reduces the gas diffusion resistance and effectively improves the reaction rate of the membrane electrode.
[0028] The encapsulation component 1 includes an encapsulation frame 101, in which the gas diffusion layer 2, proton exchange membrane 3, catalyst layer 4, and support structure layer 5 are all encapsulated. The inner surface of the encapsulation frame 101 is also provided with a rubber inner layer 102. The encapsulation frame 101 provides structural support to ensure the overall stability of the membrane electrode and withstand mechanical stress during assembly and operation. The rubber inner layer 102, with its good elasticity and sealing properties, tightly adheres to each functional layer, further preventing the leakage of reactive gases and buffering external pressure to avoid damage to fragile components such as the proton exchange membrane.
[0029] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one technical solution. This method of description is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure, comprising a proton exchange membrane (3), characterized in that: The proton exchange membrane (3) has a catalyst layer (4) on both sides. The side of the catalyst layer (4) away from the proton exchange membrane (3) has a support structure layer (5). The side of the support structure layer (5) away from the catalyst layer (4) has a gas diffusion layer (2). An encapsulation component (1) is provided between the outer edges of the gas diffusion layer (2), the proton exchange membrane (3), the catalyst layer (4) and the support structure layer (5).
2. The membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two catalyst layers (4) are an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer, respectively, and are disposed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane (3).
3. A membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting structure layer (5) includes a supporting outer frame (51), inside which are arranged a number of evenly arranged vertical hollow tubes (54), and inside which are arranged a number of evenly distributed horizontal hollow tubes (53), the vertical hollow tubes (54) and the horizontal hollow tubes (53) are perpendicular to each other to form a mesh structure.
4. A membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The vertical hollow tube (54) and the horizontal hollow tube (53) are interconnected, and both the horizontal hollow tube (53) and the vertical hollow tube (54) are provided with a number of vent holes (52).
5. A membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The encapsulation component (1) includes an encapsulation frame (101), and the gas diffusion layer (2), proton exchange membrane (3), catalyst layer (4) and support structure layer (5) are all encapsulated inside the encapsulation frame (101).
6. A membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner surface of the encapsulation frame (101) is also provided with a rubber inner layer (102).
7. A membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shape of the vent (52) is circular or polygonal.
8. A membrane electrode with a self-supporting structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The shape of the supporting outer frame (51) is adapted to the shape of the catalyst layer (4) and the gas diffusion layer (2).