Membrane-electrode assembly for an electrolytic cell, membrane structure, method for producing a membrane-electrode assembly and method for producing a membrane structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly (10) for an electrolytic cell, comprising an anode-side gap (23) between an anode-side transport layer and an anode-side frame structure (32), a cathode-side gap (33) between a cathode-side transport layer and a cathode-side frame structure (32), a membrane (41) positioned in a layered manner between the anode side (20) and the cathode side (30) and having an anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and a cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (43), wherein the membrane (41) has at least one bridge section (44, 45) which extends in a bridging manner across the anode-side gap (23) and / or across the cathode-side gap (33), and a reinforcing means (50) for locally increasing the stability of the membrane (41) in the at least one bridge section (44, 45). The invention further relates to a membrane structure (40) for the membrane-electrode assembly (10), a method for producing a membrane-electrode assembly (10) and a method for producing a membrane structure (40).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Membrane electrode assembly for an electrolysis cell, membrane structure, method for producing a membrane electrode assembly and method for producing a membrane structure

[0004] The present invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly for an electrolysis cell, a membrane structure for a membrane electrode assembly, a method for producing a membrane electrode assembly and a method for producing a membrane structure.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Electrochemical energy converters such as fuel cell systems or electrolyzers are known in numerous different designs. The core component of these systems is usually a stacked structure comprising several electrolysis cells. More precisely, such a stacked structure usually comprises alternating bipolar plates (BPP) and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA). Generic membrane electrode assemblies can be configured for PEM fuel cell systems, AEM fuel cell systems, and other system structures for electrochemical energy conversion. Depending on the system structure and mode of operation, membrane electrode assemblies are subject to high thermal and mechanical stresses. Particularly in a transition region orIn the region of a gap between a frame structure (subgasket) and a transport layer of a catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) of the membrane-electrode assembly, high forces can act in a stacking direction. Disclosure of the invention.

[0007] Within the scope of the present invention, systems and methods for improving the stability of membrane electrode assemblies are proposed. In particular, a membrane electrode assembly according to claim 1, a membrane structure according to claim 8, a method for producing a membrane electrode assembly according to claim 9 and a method for producing a membrane structure according to claim 10 are proposed. Further embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description and the figures. Features that are described in connection with the membrane electrode assembly naturally also apply in connection with the membrane structure according to the invention, the methods according to the invention and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is and / or can always be made reciprocal.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a membrane electrode assembly for an electrolysis cell is proposed, comprising

[0009] - an anode side with an anode-side transport layer and an anode-side frame structure, which is at least partially designed in a frame-like manner around the anode-side transport layer,

[0010] - a cathode side with a cathode-side transport layer and a cathode-side frame structure, which is at least partially designed in a frame-like manner around the cathode-side transport layer,

[0011] - an anode-side gap between the anode-side transport layer and the anode-side frame structure,

[0012] - a cathode-side gap between the cathode-side transport layer and the cathode-side frame structure,

[0013] - a membrane positioned in a layered manner between the anode side and the cathode side, having an anode-side catalyst membrane coating and a cathode-side catalyst membrane coating, wherein the membrane has at least one bridge section extending in a bridge-like manner over the anode-side gap and / or over the cathode-side gap, and a reinforcing agent for locally increasing the stability of the membrane in at least one bridge section.

[0014] Within the scope of the present invention, it was initially recognized that the gap between the respective transport layer and the respective frame structure can lead to the membrane, including the catalyst coating, being mechanically overstressed in that area under high relative pressures between the anode side and the cathode side. This can lead to the membrane being damaged or destroyed in that area. To address this problem, the invention proposes providing a local reinforcing agent in the area of ​​the respective gap to stabilize the respective bridge section. The reinforcing agent can be specifically designed at the location where there is the greatest risk of mechanical overstressing of the membrane. In this way, the reinforcing agent can be integrated into the membrane-electrode assembly in a particularly simple and material-saving manner.The basic structure of the membrane electrode assembly does not need to be modified. This allows established processes and systems for manufacturing membrane electrode assemblies to continue to be used virtually unchanged.

[0015] The reinforcing means can be configured in one piece or in multiple pieces. This means that the reinforcing means can have a plurality of reinforcing elements positioned at a distance from one another. The reinforcing means can be configured in the form of a reinforcing layer, i.e., in a layered manner, in the bridge section. The position in the bridge section can be understood as a positioning and / or configuration of the reinforcing means in and / or on the bridge section. The reinforcing means can be configured on the anode-side catalyst membrane coating, on the membrane, and / or on the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating. This means that the reinforcing means does not have to be positioned directly on the membrane in order to increase the stability of the membrane in at least one bridge section.Consequently, the catalyst-coated membrane can be understood as a so-called CCM (catalyst coated membrane), on and / or in which the reinforcing agent is configured. Increasing the stability in the region of the at least one bridge section can be understood to mean that the membrane is locally stabilized, in particular mechanically stabilized, in the region of the bridge section due to the inventive positioning and / or configuration of the reinforcing agent, so that there is greater mechanical resistance to the high relative pressures compared to adjacent areas. The reinforcing agent therefore does not have to influence the material properties of the membrane itself. Rather, the reinforcing agent can be understood as an auxiliary structure for locally increasing the mechanical stability and / or strength.

[0016] The membrane electrode assembly can be configured for use in an electrolyzer and / or in a fuel cell, in particular in an electrolyzer and / or a fuel cell for a PEM fuel cell system, for a PEM electrolyzer, for an AEM fuel cell system, and / or for an AEM electrolyzer. The membrane electrode assembly can further be configured and designed for use in a mobile electrochemical energy converter, for example, for use in a road vehicle. The membrane electrode assembly can be designed as an electrolysis cell or as part of an electrolysis cell.

[0017] The transport layer can comprise at least one media diffusion layer, in particular a gas diffusion layer (GDL), and thus, in principle, several different media diffusion layers. The transport layer can be configured at least partially as a porous transport layer.

[0018] The gap can be frame-shaped or at least partially frame-shaped on the anode side and / or on the cathode side. This means that, in a plan view of the membrane-electrode assembly, the gap can extend in a frame-shaped or at least partially frame-shaped manner around the respective transport layer. The at least one bridge section can be configured in a corresponding frame-shaped manner.

[0019] The frame structure can be understood as a so-called subgasket, which can extend in a frame-like manner around the respective transport layer. Thus, the frame structure can be understood as an edge seal in an outer edge region of the membrane-electrode assembly.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is possible for the reinforcing agent in a membrane-electrode assembly to be applied and / or formed at least partially in a layer-like manner directly onto the membrane in at least one bridge section. In this way, the geometry of the catalyst-coated membrane can remain unchanged compared to generic membranes, while still achieving targeted stabilization of the at least one bridge section. Since the catalyst membrane coating in at least one bridge section fulfills no, or at least no appreciable, advantageous function anyway, replacing it with the reinforcing agent according to the invention at this point also has no negative impact on the function of the membrane-electrode assembly or the power generation. The reinforcing agent can preferably be formed up to an outer edge region of the membrane.This means that the reinforcing agent can extend, at least partially in a layered manner, from the outer edge region of the membrane to the respective transport layer on the anode side and / or on the cathode side. Accordingly, the reinforcing agent can, at least in sections, have the same height in a transverse direction as the respective catalyst membrane coating and / or be designed flush or substantially flush with the respective catalyst membrane coating. The reinforcing agent, particularly in the form of the respective reinforcing layer, can therefore be understood as a catalyst replacement in the region in which the catalyst membrane coating would otherwise be applied to the membrane.

[0021] Furthermore, in a membrane-electrode assembly according to the invention, it is possible for the reinforcing agent to be at least partially projection-like and to protrude into the anode-side gap and / or the cathode-side gap. In this way, the reinforcing agent can be provided particularly easily. The reinforcing agent can, for example, be applied to a conventionally manufactured membrane or to the respective catalyst membrane coating. Since the projection-like reinforcement agent and / or a projection of an otherwise layered reinforcement agent can protrude into the respective gap, the reinforcement agent can also be provided in a particularly space-saving manner.The fact that the reinforcing agent is at least partially configured as a projection can be understood to mean that the reinforcing agent is applied in a projection-like manner to the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and / or to the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating and / or that a layered reinforcing agent has at least one projection. This means that, in addition to the layer section, the reinforcing agent can each have a projection section. The projection-like configuration or the corresponding projection, which optionally projects into the respective gap, can achieve an additional sealing effect between the respective transport layer and the respective frame structure.For this purpose, it may be advantageous if the at least one projection of the reinforcing means is configured in a form-fitting manner in the anode-side gap and / or in the cathode-side gap between the respective transport layer and the respective frame structure and / or the outer contour of the projection is adapted to the respective gap for the desired sealing effect.

[0022] Furthermore, in a membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention, it is possible for the reinforcing means to extend in a frame-like or partially frame-like manner around the anode-side transport layer and / or around the cathode-side transport layer. In this way, the sealing effect described above can be achieved particularly effectively in a simple manner. The fact that the reinforcing means extends in a frame-like or partially frame-like manner around the respective transport layer can be understood to mean that the reinforcing means on the anode side and / or on the cathode side can form a frame or at least partially a frame around the respective transport layer in a plan view. In this embodiment, the reinforcing means can further be considered to be projection-like or projection-like in cross section.The projection-like and frame-shaped reinforcement means preferably extends within the gap, which is also frame-shaped, on the anode side and / or the cathode side.

[0023] Furthermore, it is possible for the anode-side transport layer, the anode-side frame structure, the cathode-side transport layer, and the cathode-side frame structure in a membrane-electrode assembly according to the invention to be configured such that the anode-side gap and the cathode-side gap are offset from one another in a transverse direction from the respective transport layer to the associated frame structure. In other words, the cathode window can be designed smaller than the anode window (or vice versa), so that the coated membrane is supported in the region of the respective gap on its side facing away from the gap either by the frame structure or by the transport layer. In this way, stability can be further increased in a simple manner.The term "gaps formed offset from one another" means that one gap, in a plan view of the membrane-electrode assembly, is formed closer to an outer edge region of the membrane-electrode assembly to the surroundings of the membrane-electrode assembly than the other gap. In this exemplary embodiment, one gap is therefore not located directly above the other gap. In particular, it is preferred that the anode-side gap and the cathode-side gap are formed offset from one another in the transverse direction in such a way that they have no overlapping region in a stacking direction orthogonal to the transverse direction or are designed to be offset from one another accordingly without overlapping. In this case, the bridge sections of the membrane are also correspondingly offset from one another.This means that in this case, the membrane can have two bridge sections arranged side by side, with one bridge section being configured transversely within the other bridge section. In other words, one bridge section can be configured frame-shaped or at least partially frame-shaped around the other bridge section in a plan view or in a projection in the stacking direction.

[0024] Furthermore, in a membrane-electrode assembly according to the present invention, it is possible for the reinforcing means to be configured only on the anode side. Tests conducted within the scope of the present invention have shown that a type of underlining of the catalyst-coated membrane only on the anode side, in the manner according to the invention, can already be sufficient to achieve the desired stability with respect to the relative pressure conditions. Configuring the reinforcing means only on the anode side can be sufficient, in particular, if further stabilization measures, such as the configuration with offset gaps described above, are implemented.

[0025] The reinforcing agent in a membrane-electrode assembly according to the invention can consist of a thermoplastic and / or a thermoset. Depending on the configuration and positioning of the reinforcing agent, these two materials have proven particularly suitable for achieving the desired stability. Polyethersulfone (PES) and / or epoxy resin, in particular, can be used as the reinforcing agent. These materials are relatively easy to process during the manufacture of the membrane-electrode assembly.

[0026] A further aspect of the invention relates to a membrane structure for a membrane-electrode assembly as described in detail above, comprising the membrane for layered positioning between the anode side and the cathode side with an anode-side catalyst membrane coating and a cathode-side catalyst membrane coating, wherein the membrane has the at least one bridge section for bridging the anode-side gap and / or the cathode-side gap, as well as the reinforcing means for locally increasing the stability of the membrane structure in the at least one bridge section. Thus, the membrane structure according to the invention offers essentially the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to the membrane-electrode assembly according to the invention. The reinforcing means of the membrane structure can be configured and designed as already described with reference to the above embodiments.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a membrane electrode assembly as described above, comprising: - providing the membrane including the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating,

[0028] - Positioning the anode-side frame structure on the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and / or the cathode-side frame structure on the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating,

[0029] - applying the reinforcing agent to the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and / or the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating, and

[0030] - Positioning the anode-side transport layer on the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and / or the cathode-side transport layer on the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating.

[0031] In this way, the membrane-electrode assembly can be manufactured particularly quickly and easily. Preferably, the reinforcing agent can be introduced, in particular injected, into a transition region between the respective catalyst membrane coating and the respective edge structure, so that the reinforcing agent can act not only as a reinforcing agent, but also as a sealant for the fluids of the membrane-electrode assembly toward the environment of the membrane-electrode assembly. Nevertheless, the sequence of process steps described above is to be considered optional. In this case, the reinforcing agent can be injected, for example, as a bead during the manufacturing process if at least one frame structure is already positioned on the catalyst-coated membrane, but the associated transport layer has not yet been inserted or positioned.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a membrane structure as described above, comprising:

[0033] - Providing the membrane

[0034] - applying the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating to the membrane, and

[0035] - applying the reinforcing agent to the at least one bridge section of the membrane, - wherein the reinforcing agent is applied flush with the surface of the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and / or the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating.

[0036] This method therefore also provides, at least in part, the advantages already described above. The reinforcing agent can be applied flush or substantially flush with the surface of the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and / or the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating. The fact that the reinforcing agent is applied to the at least one bridge section of the membrane at least partially flush with the surface of the anode-side catalyst membrane coating and / or the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating can be understood to mean that the membrane structure is designed with a constant and / or consistent height, at least outside the bridge section and / or any projection on the bridge section. The reinforcing agent can be applied, in particular sprayed on, as a plastic, in particular as a thermoset and / or thermoplastic.

[0037] Further measures improving the invention will become apparent from the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are schematically illustrated in the figures. All features and / or advantages apparent from the claims, the description, or the figures, including structural details and spatial arrangements, may be essential to the invention both individually and in various combinations.

[0038] They show schematically:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a membrane electrode assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0040] Figure 2 shows a membrane electrode assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 shows a membrane electrode assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0041] Figure 4 shows a membrane electrode assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] Figure 5 shows a membrane electrode assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,

[0043] Figure 6 shows a membrane electrode assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention,

[0044] Figure 7 shows a membrane electrode assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and

[0045] Figure 8 is a flow chart for explaining a method according to the invention.

[0046] Elements with the same function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a membrane electrode assembly 10 for an electrolysis cell according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the membrane electrode assembly 10 has an anode side 20 with an anode-side transport layer 21 and an anode-side frame structure 22. The anode-side frame structure 22 is configured in a frame shape around the anode-side transport layer 21. Furthermore, the membrane electrode assembly 10 has a cathode side 30 with a cathode-side transport layer 31 and a cathode-side frame structure 32, wherein the cathode-side frame structure is configured in a frame shape around the cathode-side transport layer 31. An anode-side gap 23 is formed between the anode-side transport layer 21 and the anode-side frame structure 22. A cathode-side gap 33 is formed between the cathode-side transport layer 31 and the cathode-side frame structure 32.Furthermore, the membrane-electrode assembly 10 comprises a membrane 41 positioned in a layer between the anode side 20 and the cathode side 30, with an anode-side catalyst membrane coating 42 and a cathode-side catalyst membrane coating 43. The membrane 41 has a bridge section 44 that extends in a bridge-like manner over the anode-side gap 23 and over the cathode-side gap 33. In addition, the membrane-electrode assembly has a reinforcing means 50 for locally increasing the stability of the membrane 41 in the bridge section 44 with respect to the differential or relative pressures prevailing there. The reinforcing means shown in Fig. 1 is designed as a projection on the anode side 20 and on the cathode side 30, respectively, and projects into the anode-side gap 23 and the cathode-side gap 33.Furthermore, the reinforcing agent 50 extends in a frame-like manner around the anode-side transport layer 21 on the anode side 20 and in a frame-like manner around the cathode-side transport layer 31 on the cathode side 30. Polyethersulfone was used as the material for the reinforcing agent 50.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the reinforcing agent 50 is applied in a layer-like manner directly onto the membrane 41 in the bridge section 44 and beyond up to an outer edge region of the membrane 41.

[0049] The embodiment shown in Fig. 3 essentially corresponds to a combination of the first two embodiments. The essentially layered reinforcement means 50 additionally has the projection shown in Fig. 1 or a correspondingly projecting frame structure.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which the reinforcing means 50 is designed only on the anode side 20 in the form of a reinforcing layer without a projection.

[0051] The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 essentially corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, wherein the anode-side transport layer 21, the anode-side frame structure 22, the cathode-side transport layer 31, and the cathode-side frame structure 32 are configured such that the anode-side gap 23 and the cathode-side gap 33 are formed offset from one another in a transverse direction 60 from the respective transport layer 21, 31 to the associated frame structure 22, 32. The membrane 41 shown in Fig. 5 has two bridge sections 44, 45 that extend over the gaps 23, 33 formed offset from one another in the transverse direction 60. More precisely, a first bridge section 44 extends over the cathode-side gap 33, and a further bridge section 45 extends over the anode-side gap 23.

[0052] The embodiment shown in Fig. 6 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, wherein the two gaps 23, 33 are formed offset from one another as shown in Fig. 5.

[0053] Fig. 7 essentially corresponds to a combination of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 with the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. Thus, the reinforcing means 50 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 is configured in a layered manner on the anode side 20 and on the cathode side 30, respectively, directly on the membrane 41 and additionally has a projection on both sides that projects into the respective gap 23, 33, wherein the gaps 23, 33 are formed offset from one another in the transverse direction 60. The reinforcing means 50 is shown in Fig. 7 as a monolithic component on the anode side 20 and on the cathode side 30, respectively. Nevertheless, it is possible for the layered section and the projection section to be manufactured and / or provided separately. Furthermore, it is possible for the layered section and the projection section to comprise different materials.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 8, a method for producing a membrane-electrode assembly 10 as shown in Fig. 7 is described below. In a first step S1, the membrane 41 is provided. In a second step S2, the anode-side catalyst membrane coating 42 and the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating 43 are applied to the membrane 41. In a third step S3, a first portion of the reinforcing agent 50 in the form of epoxy resin is applied in a layer to the at least one bridge section 44, 45 of the membrane 41, so that the reinforcing agent 50 is flush with the surface of the anode-side catalyst membrane coating 42 and the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating 43.In a fourth step S4, an anode-side frame structure 22 is positioned on the layer section of the anode-side reinforcement structure 50 on a membrane structure 40 prepared by steps S1 to S3. In addition, a cathode-side frame structure 32 is positioned on the layer section of the cathode-side reinforcement structure 50. In a fifth step S5, the reinforcement means 50 is now expanded by injecting epoxy resin between the already existing layer section of the reinforcement means 50 and the respective edge structure 22, 32. Subsequently, in a sixth step S6, the anode-side transport layer 21 is positioned on the anode-side catalyst membrane coating 42 and the cathode-side transport layer 31 is positioned on the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating 43.

[0055] In addition to the illustrated embodiments, the invention permits further design principles. This means that the invention should not be considered limited to the exemplary embodiments explained with reference to the figures. As can be seen from the figures, numerous further combination variants of the illustrated embodiments are possible, not all of which have been described in detail. The same applies analogously to different variants for implementing the method. These variants should, of course, not be considered excluded from the scope of protection of the claimed invention.

Claims

Claims 1 . Membrane electrode assembly (10) for an electrolysis cell, comprising: - an anode side (20) with an anode-side transport layer (21) and an anode-side frame structure (22) which is at least partially designed in a frame shape around the anode-side transport layer (21), - a cathode side (30) with a cathode-side transport layer (31) and a cathode-side frame structure (32) which is at least partially designed in a frame-like manner around the cathode-side transport layer (31), - an anode-side gap (23) between the anode-side transport layer (21) and the anode-side frame structure (22), - a cathode-side gap (33) between the cathode-side transport layer (31) and the cathode-side frame structure (32), - a membrane (41) positioned in a layered manner between the anode side (20) and the cathode side (30) with an anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and a cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (43), wherein the membrane (41) has at least one bridge section (44, 45) which extends in a bridge-like manner over the anode-side gap (23) and / or over the cathode-side gap (33), and - a reinforcing means (50) for locally increasing the stability of the membrane (41) in at least one bridge section (44, 45).

2. Membrane electrode assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing agent (50) in at least one bridge section (44, 45) is at least partially applied in a layer-like manner directly on the membrane (41).

3. Membrane electrode assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing means (50) is at least partially designed as a projection and projects into the anode-side gap (23) and / or into the cathode-side gap (33).

4. Membrane electrode assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the reinforcing means (50) extends in a frame-like or partially frame-like manner around the anode-side transport layer (21) and / or around the cathode-side transport layer (31).

5. Membrane electrode assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anode-side transport layer (21), the anode-side frame structure (22), the cathode-side transport layer (31) and the cathode-side frame structure (32) are designed such that the anode-side gap (23) and the cathode-side gap (33) are formed offset from one another in a transverse direction (60) from the respective transport layer (21, 31) to the associated frame structure (22, 32).

6. Membrane electrode assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing means (50) is designed only on the anode side (20) 7. Membrane electrode assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing means (50) consists of a thermoplastic and / or a thermosetting plastic.

8. Membrane structure (40) for a membrane electrode assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the membrane (41) for layered positioning between the anode side (20) and the cathode side (30) with an anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and a cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (43), wherein the membrane (41) has the at least one bridge section (44, 45) for bridging the anode-side gap (23) and / or the cathode-side gap (33) and the reinforcing means (50) for locally increasing the stability of the membrane structure (40) in the at least one bridge section (44, 45).

9. A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - providing the membrane (41) including the anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (43), - positioning the anode-side frame structure (22) on the anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and / or the cathode-side frame structure (22) on the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (42), - applying the reinforcing agent (50) to the anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and / or the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (43), and - Positioning the anode-side transport layer (21) on the anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and / or the cathode-side transport layer (31) on the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (43).

10. A method for producing a membrane structure (40) according to claim 9, comprising: - Providing the membrane (41) - applying the anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (43) to the membrane (41), and - applying the reinforcing agent (50) to the at least one bridge section (44, 45) of the membrane (41), - wherein the reinforcing agent (50) is applied flush with the surface of the anode-side catalyst membrane coating (42) and / or the cathode-side catalyst membrane coating (43).

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