Electrochemical cell and method and system for manufacturing an assembly for the electrochemical cell

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an assembly for an electrochemical cell, wherein the assembly comprises at least the following structural components: a first plate (10; 10') for supplying and / or discharging fluid, a proton exchange membrane (42), a first electrode (31) arranged between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane, and a first gas diffusion layer (21) arranged between the first plate and the first electrode, and wherein the method comprises the steps of A) providing a base comprising only a portion of the structural components, in particular the first plate and / or the first gas diffusion layer; and B) assembling the assembly, wherein the assembling involves adding the remaining structural components; or the steps of a) providing a base that is different from the structural components; and b) assembling the assembly, wherein the assembling involves adding the structural components; wherein a casing is formed by applying one or more layers of moulding material (70-72) to the provided base, a strength of this moulding material increases after said application, and at least one layer of the moulding material forming the casing or at least a circumferential section of the casing is applied before step B) or b). The invention also relates to an electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell or electrolysis cell, a cell stack with cells of this type, as well as a method and a system for manufacturing assemblies for cells or cell stacks of this type.

Description

[0001] ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL AND METHOD AND PLANT FOR PRODUCING AN ASSEMBLY FOR THE ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell or electrolysis cell, a cell stack comprising such electrochemical cells, and a method and a system for producing assemblies for such electrochemical cells or cell stacks.

[0003] It may be an object of the invention to improve electrochemical cells, in particular fuel cells or electrolysis cells, or cell stacks with such electrochemical cells and / or the production of such electrochemical cells or cell stacks.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] In some embodiments of the invention, an assembly for an electrochemical cell comprises at least the following structural components: a first gas diffusion layer; a proton exchange membrane; a first electrode, in some embodiments a cathode or anode, disposed between the first gas diffusion layer and the proton exchange membrane.

[0006] In some embodiments of the invention, the assembly for an electrochemical cell comprises at least the following structural components: a first plate for supplying and / or removing fluid, in particular liquid fluid and / or gaseous fluid, preferably a bipolar plate or bipolar sub-plate, in some embodiments an anode sub-plate or cathode sub-plate; the proton exchange membrane; the first electrode arranged between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane; and the first gas diffusion layer arranged between the first plate and the first electrode. In some embodiments of the invention, the electrochemical cell is a fuel cell. The present invention can be particularly advantageous for this, in particular due to the boundary conditions of use. In some embodiments of the invention, the electrochemical cell is an electrolysis cell or an electrolyzer.The present invention can also be advantageous for this purpose.

[0007] In some embodiments of the invention, a method for manufacturing the assembly comprising at least the (above-mentioned) structural components first plate, proton exchange membrane, first electrode and first gas diffusion layer comprises the steps of:

[0008] A) providing a base comprising only some or one or more, but not all, of these structural components; and

[0009] B) Assembling the assembly, wherein assembling includes adding the remaining assembly components.

[0010] Providing a base having one or more of the structural components, or using one or more of the structural components themselves as a base for constructing the assembly, can have the advantage that - compared to constructing the assembly on a base different from the structural components - a (working step of) detaching molding material, explained below and applied to the base, from the base used for construction is omitted, and thereby advantageously improving the connection between the molding material and this or these structural component(s) and / or making production quicker and / or easier. In some embodiments of the invention, the base consists of the part or the (above-mentioned) structural component(s).This can have the advantage that there is no need to remove the molding material applied to the base, as explained below, from the base and thus advantageously the production can be carried out more quickly and / or easily.

[0011] In some embodiments of the invention, the first plate is provided as a base in step A). ​​This can have the advantage of providing a more stable base.

[0012] In some embodiments of the invention, in step A), the first plate is provided (together) with the first gas diffusion layer, preferably already arranged thereon, as a base, preferably without the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane. This can have the advantage that the application of molding material to this base, as explained below, advantageously bonds the gas diffusion layer, optionally additionally, to the plate.

[0013] In some embodiments of the invention, in step A), the first plate is provided without the first gas diffusion layer, preferably (also) without the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane, as a base. This can have the advantage that molding material applied to the plate provided as a base can advantageously fix the gas diffusion layer during its arrangement on the plate and / or simplify the application and / or make the process more reliable.

[0014] In some embodiments of the invention, in step A), a base different from the first plate and preferably also from a carrier of a conveyor system explained below, which is preferably (again) removed at the latest upon completion of the production of the assembly, is provided as a base, with a first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon without the first plate, preferably with or particularly preferably (also) without the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane. This can have the advantage that the plate can be added later and / or the base can be advantageously movable until then, in particular lighter and / or more compact, and / or the application and / or removal of the molding material onto or from the base can be improved and / or the carrier can already be used for another purpose during removal.

[0015] In some embodiments of the invention, in step A), a carrier of a conveyor system, as explained below, with a first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon is provided as a base without the first plate, preferably with or particularly preferably without the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane. This can have the advantage that the plate can be added later and / or the base can be advantageously movable until then, in particular, lighter and / or more compact.

[0016] In some embodiments, (only) the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane arranged on a support or a carrier of a delivery system explained below can also be provided as a base.

[0017] In some embodiments of the invention, a method for manufacturing the assembly comprising at least the (above-mentioned) structural components first gas diffusion layer, proton exchange membrane and first electrode comprises the steps of:

[0018] Providing the first gas diffusion layer; and - constructing the assembly, wherein the constructing comprises adding the first electrode and the proton exchange membrane; wherein, preferably in the manner explained below, the adding of the first electrode comprises applying electrode material to the first gas diffusion layer, and a strength of this electrode material increases after this application; and / or the adding of the proton exchange membrane comprises applying membrane material to the first electrode, and a strength of this membrane material increases after this application; wherein the first gas diffusion layer is arranged on one of several individual supports of a conveyor system, preferably the support already mentioned above; or on a base arranged on one of several individual supports of a conveyor system, preferably the base already mentioned above;or on a first plate of the assembly for supplying and / or removing fluid, preferably the aforementioned first plate, preferably a bipolar plate or bipolar sub-plate, in some embodiments an anode sub-plate or cathode sub-plate, arranged on one of several individual supports of a conveyor system; and this support, with the provided first gas diffusion layer, is transported to an application device explained below, through which the first electrode and the proton exchange membrane are added. This can in particular comprise or implement the aforementioned steps A), B), without these embodiments of the invention being limited thereto.

[0019] Through the aforementioned use of carriers, the application of electrode and / or membrane material using the application device can be realized particularly advantageously in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a conveying movement of the carrier or the corresponding movement of the first gas diffusion layer can be advantageously used to apply electrode and / or membrane material, which in some embodiments is fed from above for this purpose. In other words, the carrier can be moved during application in order to apply electrode or membrane material in an advantageously distributed manner, wherein one or more outlet openings through which the material is applied can be stationary or can additionally also be moved. As a result, the material can be applied advantageously, in particular quickly, precisely, variably and / or in particularly advantageous movement patterns.In some embodiments, the carrier can also remain stationary during the application of electrode material and / or during the application of membrane material. This can, in particular, improve particularly precise application and / or increase strength.

[0020] In some embodiments of the invention, a method for manufacturing the assembly, which comprises at least the (above-mentioned) structural components of first plate, proton exchange membrane, first electrode, and first gas diffusion layer, comprises the steps of: a) providing a (structure) base different from these structural components or having no structural components; and b) assembling the assembly, wherein the assembly comprises adding these structural components.

[0021] Providing a base different from the build-up components may have the advantage of improving the application of molding material and / or adding the first of the build-up components and / or of making this base easier to handle.

[0022] The addition of the, or any remaining, structural components takes place, as discussed below, in some embodiments by successively adding one of these structural components at a time. This can have the advantage that these structural components can be added more easily, and possibly partially manufactured in the process. In some embodiments, as discussed below, two or more of the structural components are added together, preferably as a prefabricated subgroup, wherein in some embodiments of the invention one or more of the structural components are successively added individually and one or more of the structural components are added as a prefabricated subgroup. This can have the advantage that manufacturing can be simplified and / or accelerated.

[0023] In some embodiments of the invention, the method comprises arranging a single-part or multi-part prefabricated frame on the first gas diffusion layer; and / or on the carrier on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged, or the base on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged, or the first plate on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged; and applying the electrode material and / or the membrane material within this frame.

[0024] Alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the method comprises applying molding material in one or more layers to the first gas diffusion layer and / or to the carrier on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged, or the base on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged, or the first plate on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged, in such a way that it forms an enclosure, wherein preferably one layer of molding material is applied (directly) to the first gas diffusion layer and / or the carrier or the base or the first plate and optionally one or more layers of molding material are applied (each) to an already applied layer of molding material, wherein in some embodiments two or more layers can each consist of the same molding material and / or two or more layers can each consist of different molding material;a strength, preferably tensile, compressive and / or flexural strength, of this molding material increases after this application; in some embodiments, the molding material becomes solid or solidifies, in some embodiments, it hardens, in some embodiments, it is solidified or hardened (actively or by corresponding method(s)); and the electrode material and / or the membrane material is applied within the at least partially formed enclosure.;

[0025] In some embodiments of the invention, the method comprises forming an enclosure by applying one or more layers of molding material to the base, wherein preferably one layer of molding material is applied (directly) to the base and optionally one or more layers of molding material are applied (each) to an already applied layer of molding material, wherein in some embodiments two or more layers can each consist of the same molding material and / or two or more layers can each consist of different molding materials; and a strength, preferably tensile, compressive and / or flexural strength, of this molding material increases after this application, in some embodiments the molding material becomes solid or hardens, in some embodiments cures, in some embodiments is solidified or hardened (actively or by corresponding method(s)).As is clear from the previous paragraph and will be explained in more detail below, this can be particularly advantageously combined with the application of electrode and / or membrane material, without these embodiments of the invention or the aspect of the enclosure formed by applying single or multi-layered molding material to the provided base being limited thereto.

[0026] In some embodiments of the invention, one or more layers of this molding material forming the enclosure or at least a peripheral portion of this enclosure are applied prior to the above-mentioned step B) or b), in some embodiments

[0027] - before adding the first electrode and / or

[0028] - before adding the proton exchange membrane and / or

[0029] - before adding the first gas diffusion layer and / or

[0030] - applied before adding the first plate.

[0031] If in step A) the first plate is provided without a first gas diffusion layer as a base, preferably one or more layers of the molding material forming the enclosure or at least a peripheral portion of the enclosure are

[0032] - before adding the first gas diffusion layer and / or

[0033] - before adding the first electrode and / or

[0034] - applied to the, preferably a partial area of, the first plate(s) before adding the proton exchange membrane.

[0035] When in step A) the first plate is provided with the first gas diffusion layer as a base, preferably one or more layers of the molding material forming the enclosure or at least a peripheral portion of the enclosure are

[0036] - before adding the first electrode and / or

[0037] - applied to the, preferably a partial area of ​​the, first plate(s) and / or the, preferably a partial area of ​​the, first gas diffusion layer(s) prior to adding the proton exchange membrane. If, in step A), the first gas diffusion layer is provided on the support or carrier without the first plate as a base, preferably one or more layers of the molding material forming the enclosure or at least a peripheral portion of the enclosure are

[0038] - before adding the first electrode and / or

[0039] - before adding the proton exchange membrane and / or

[0040] - applied to the, preferably a partial area of ​​the, first gas diffusion layer and / or the, preferably a partial area of ​​the, base or the, preferably a partial area of ​​the, carrier(s) before adding the first plate.

[0041] This may have the advantage that the assembly and / or its manufacture is improved, in some embodiments the assembly and / or manufacture is more compact and / or reliable and / or lighter and / or more cost-effective and / or faster, preferably a rigid frame, as used in previous fuel cells for connecting and / or sealing, can be omitted or saved.

[0042] In some embodiments of the invention, the molding material is formless, preferably liquid, preferably thick or viscous, pulpy, or pasty, before and / or during application and / or before the increase in strength. This can have the advantage of improving application and / or enclosing.

[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, a second electrode is added with or after the addition of the proton exchange membrane such that the proton exchange membrane is disposed between the first and second electrodes.

[0044] In some embodiments of the invention, a second gas diffusion layer is added with or after the addition of the second electrode such that the second electrode is disposed between the proton exchange membrane and the second gas diffusion layer.

[0045] In some embodiments of the invention, with or after the addition of the second gas diffusion layer, a second plate, preferably for supplying and / or removing fluid, in particular liquid fluid and / or gaseous fluid, preferably a (second) bipolar plate or a part of a (second) bipolar plate or a (second) bipolar sub-plate, in some embodiments a cathode sub-plate or anode sub-plate, is added such that the second gas diffusion layer is arranged between the second electrode and the second plate.

[0046] In some embodiments of the invention, the applied molding material connects, at least in the finished assembly, preferably at least after its increase in strength, in particular solidification, two or more of the structural components to one another, preferably in a materially bonded manner, in some embodiments: the first plate to the first gas diffusion layer and / or the first electrode and / or the proton exchange membrane and / or the second electrode and / or the second gas diffusion layer and / or the second plate; and / or the first gas diffusion layer to the first electrode and / or the proton exchange membrane and / or the second electrode and / or the second gas diffusion layer and / or the second plate; and / or the first electrode to the proton exchange membrane and / or the second electrode and / or the second gas diffusion layer and / or the second plate;and / or the proton exchange membrane with the second electrode and / or the second gas diffusion layer and / or the second plate; and / or the second electrode with the second gas diffusion layer and / or the second plate; and / or the second gas diffusion layer with the second plate.;

[0047] Thus, in some embodiments, the molding material optionally also functions as a connecting means. This can, in particular, improve the assembly and / or its production; in some embodiments, the assembly and / or production can be more compact and / or more reliable and / or lighter and / or more cost-effective and / or faster.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the applied molding material electrically insulates the first plate and proton exchange membrane from each other, at least in the finished assembly, preferably at least after its strength has increased, in particular after solidification. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the applied molding material electrically insulates the second plate and proton exchange membrane from each other and / or the first and second plates from each other, at least in the finished assembly, preferably at least after its strength has increased, in particular after solidification. Thus, in some embodiments, the molding material optionally also functions as, optionally additional, electrical insulation.As a result, in particular, the assembly and / or its manufacture can be improved, and in some embodiments, the assembly and / or manufacture can be more compact and / or more reliable and / or lighter and / or more cost-effective and / or faster.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the applied molding material forms, at least in the finished assembly, preferably at least after its increase in strength, in particular solidification, a peripheral seal of a reaction space between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane and / or a peripheral seal of a reaction space on a side of the proton exchange membrane facing away from the first plate, in particular a reaction space between the proton exchange membrane and a second plate explained below.

[0050] Thus, in some embodiments, the molding material optionally also functions as a (peripheral or illumination). This can, in particular, improve the assembly and / or its manufacture, and in some embodiments, the assembly and / or manufacture can be more compact and / or more reliable and / or lighter and / or more cost-effective and / or faster.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, at least in the finished assembly: the first gas diffusion layer; and / or the first electrode; and / or the proton exchange membrane; and / or the second electrode; and / or the second gas diffusion layer is / are enclosed by the enclosure, in some embodiments of the invention such that the enclosure encompasses an (outer) edge of the first gas diffusion layer; and / or an (outer) edge of the first electrode; and / or an (outer) edge of the proton exchange membrane; and / or an (outer) edge of the second electrode; and / or an (outer) edge of the second gas diffusion layer and / or at least on one (flat) side over an (outer) edge of the first gas diffusion layer; and / or an (outer) edge of the first electrode; and / or an (outer) edge of the proton exchange membrane; and / or an (outer) edge of the second electrode; and / or an (outer) edge of the second gas diffusion layer

[0052] (axially or in the stacking or assembly direction) and / or an (outer) edge of the first gas diffusion layer is embedded in the enclosure or abuts or connects to it; and / or an (outer) edge of the first electrode is embedded in the enclosure or abuts or connects to it; and / or an (outer) edge of the proton exchange membrane is embedded in the enclosure or abuts or connects to it; and / or an (outer) edge of the second electrode is embedded in the enclosure or abuts or connects to it; and / or an (outer) edge of the second gas diffusion layer is embedded in the enclosure or abuts or connects to it.

[0053] Advantageously, in some embodiments of the invention, the connection and / or insulation and / or sealing and / or manufacture can be improved.

[0054] In some embodiments of the invention, the molding material is applied to the base up to a maximum of an outer edge of the first plate or extends up to a maximum of an outer edge of the first plate. Advantageously, in some embodiments of the invention, this can improve the connection and / or insulation and / or sealing and / or manufacturing.

[0055] In some embodiments of the invention, the first plate has at least one transition region with electrode-side openings for the fluid, preferably a so-called "transition area," which is at least partially overlapped or covered by the applied molding material and / or at least partially by the first gas diffusion layer. This can have the advantage that expensive electrode material can be reduced or eliminated in this area.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the first plate has at least one through-opening for the fluid and / or at least one through-opening for another fluid, which is (in each case) encompassed by the applied molding material. Advantageously, this can improve the attachment or connection and / or insulation and / or sealing and / or production in some embodiments of the invention. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the first gas diffusion layer arranged on the first plate is at least temporarily fixed to the first plate during the application of the molding material, in some embodiments in a materially bonded manner, preferably at specific points, and / or by means of pressure and / or clamping. Advantageously, this can improve the application and / or attachment or connection in some embodiments of the invention.

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, at least one layer of the molding material is applied, preferably to the base and / or to the first gas diffusion layer or first plate, before the first gas diffusion layer and the first plate are arranged against each other, in particular the first gas diffusion layer on the first plate or the first plate on or under the first gas diffusion layer. Advantageously, this can improve the application and / or the connection or bonding in some embodiments of the invention.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the first plate has one or more elevations at a contact point between the first plate and the molding material, preferably such that they protrude into the molding material after contact between the first plate and the molding material.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the second plate has one or more elevations at a contact point between the second plate and the molding material, preferably such that they protrude into the molding material after contact between the second plate and the molding material.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the applied molding material has one or more elevations at a contact point between the first plate and the molding material before contacting the first plate and the molding material, preferably such that a height of said elevation(s) is / are or will be reduced after, preferably by, contacting the first plate and the molding material, preferably said elevation(s) is / are or will be leveled.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the applied molding material has one or more elevations at a contact point between the second plate and the molding material prior to contact between the second plate and the molding material, preferably such that the height of these elevations is / are reduced after, preferably by contacting the second plate and the molding material, preferably these elevations are / are leveled. This can in each case have the advantage of improving the bond between the plate and the molding material.

[0062] In some embodiments of the invention, the addition of the first electrode comprises applying a preferably formless, in particular liquid, preferably thick or viscous, pulpy or pasty, electrode material to the first gas diffusion layer, and a strength, preferably tensile, compressive and / or flexural strength, of this electrode material increases after this application; in some embodiments, the electrode material becomes solid or solidifies; in some embodiments, it hardens; in some embodiments, it is solidified or cured (actively or through corresponding method(s)). In some embodiments of the invention, the first electrode is produced by applying electrode material with a subsequent increase in the strength of this electrode material in situ.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, the addition of the second electrode can comprise applying a preferably formless, in particular liquid, preferably thick or viscous, pulpy or pasty, electrode material, in some embodiments of the invention the same electrode material (as) the first electrode or a different electrode material, to the added proton exchange membrane and increasing a strength, preferably tensile, compressive and / or flexural strength, of this electrode material after this application. In some embodiments, this electrode material for the or the second electrode becomes solid or solidifies this electrode material, in some embodiments it hardens, in some embodiments it is solidified or hardened (actively or by corresponding method(s)).In some embodiments of the invention, the second electrode is produced by depositing electrode material followed by an in-situ increase in the strength of this electrode material.

[0064] This can have the advantage of improving the connection of the (respective) electrode and / or reducing or saving electrode material or improving its utilization. One advantage can be that improved interfaces can be realized and / or, in particular, transport resistances can be reduced.

[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, the electrode material for adding the first electrode and / or the electrode material for adding the second electrode is applied within the (already) at least partially formed enclosure, preferably within the (already) at least partially formed enclosure that (already) has or forms a closed or continuous periphery or edge, or within at least one circumferential section of the enclosure. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the already at least partially formed enclosure advantageously functions as a mold or boundary for producing the first or second electrode, which can improve their production and / or bonding. In some embodiments of the invention, the (respective) electrode material and the not yet fully solidified mold material or enclosure or their edge zones can mix with one another.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the first electrode adheres to the enclosure and / or the first gas diffusion layer and / or the second electrode adheres to the enclosure and / or the proton exchange membrane, which may improve fabrication and / or attachment of the (respective) electrode.

[0066] In some embodiments of the invention, adding the proton exchange membrane comprises applying a preferably formless, in particular liquid, preferably thick or viscous, pulpy or pasty, membrane material to the first electrode, and a strength, preferably tensile, compressive and / or flexural strength, of this membrane material increases after this application; in some embodiments, the membrane material becomes solid or solidifies; in some embodiments, it hardens; in some embodiments, it is solidified or cured (actively or through corresponding process(es)). In some embodiments of the invention, the proton exchange membrane is produced by applying membrane material with a subsequent increase in the strength of this membrane material in situ.

[0067] This can have the advantage of improving the connection or bonding of the proton exchange membrane and / or reducing or saving membrane material.

[0068] In some embodiments of the invention, the membrane material for adding the proton exchange membrane is applied within the (already) at least partially formed enclosure, preferably within the (already) at least partially formed enclosure, which (already) has or forms a closed or continuous circumference or edge, or within at least one circumferential section of the enclosure. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the already at least partially formed enclosure advantageously functions as a mold or boundary for producing the proton exchange membrane, which can improve its production and / or bonding. In some embodiments of the invention, the membrane material and the not yet fully solidified mold material or enclosure or their edge zones can mix with one another.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the membrane material adheres to the enclosure and / or the first electrode, which may enhance fabrication and / or attachment of the proton exchange membrane.

[0069] In some embodiments of the invention, applying membrane material within the at least partially formed enclosure means applying membrane material only within the at least partially formed enclosure. Similarly, in some embodiments of the invention, applying electrode material within the at least partially formed enclosure means applying electrode material only within the at least partially formed enclosure. This advantageously allows material to be saved and / or a surface of the at least partially formed enclosure that remains free of this material to be advantageously utilized.In some embodiments of the invention, applying membrane material within the at least partially formed enclosure comprises applying membrane material (also) within the at least partially formed enclosure, wherein membrane material can also be arranged, at least partially, on the at least partially formed enclosure. Analogously, in some embodiments of the invention, applying electrode material within the at least partially formed enclosure comprises applying electrode material (also) within the at least partially formed enclosure, wherein electrode material can also be arranged, at least partially, on the at least partially formed enclosure. This can improve the bonding to the at least partially formed enclosure.

[0070] Particularly advantageously, the addition of the first electrode comprises applying electrode material to the first gas diffusion layer and the addition of the proton exchange membrane comprises applying membrane material to the first electrode, wherein a strength of this electrode material increases after this application of electrode material to the first gas diffusion layer and a strength of this membrane material increases after this application of membrane material to the first electrode, wherein preferably the membrane material is applied after the strength of the electrode material has already increased, preferably this electrode material is already solidified or hardened, in some embodiments has hardened.It can be particularly advantageous if the addition of the second electrode also comprises applying electrode material to the added proton exchange membrane and the strength of this electrode material increases after this application, wherein this electrode material is preferably applied after the strength of the membrane material has already increased, preferably after this membrane material has already solidified or hardened, in some embodiments has cured. This can have the particular advantage of better producing and / or bonding an MEA (“Membrane Electrode Assembly”). Likewise, it can also be advantageous to apply the membrane material to the not yet solidified or hardened electrode material and / or the electrode material for the second electrode to the not yet solidified or hardened membrane material. This can have the particular advantage of improving transitions within the MEA.

[0071] In some embodiments of the invention, adding the proton exchange membrane comprises: incorporating at least one reinforcing layer into the applied membrane material; and / or applying a reinforcing layer to at least one layer of the applied membrane material, in some embodiments with applications of at least one further layer of the membrane material to this applied reinforcing layer, in some embodiments without applications of further membrane material to this applied reinforcing layer; and / or forming a reinforcing layer on at least one layer of the applied membrane material, in some embodiments with applications of at least one further layer of the membrane material to this formed reinforcing layer, in some embodiments without applications of further membrane material to this formed reinforcing layer.

[0072] As a result, in some embodiments of the invention, the functionality and / or strength of the proton exchange membrane can be improved. Incorporating a reinforcement layer into applied membrane material can advantageously result in this reinforcement layer bonding better with the membrane material. Applying a reinforcement layer to applied membrane material can, in particular, simplify placement of the reinforcement layer. In some embodiments, a reinforcement layer is formed by electrospinning or the like. This can advantageously result in this reinforcement layer bonding better with the membrane material. If no further membrane material is applied to the applied or formed reinforcement layer, this can simplify the manufacturing process and / or improve subsequent addition of a or the second electrode and / or its connection. If a reinforcement layer is applied to the applied or formed reinforcement layer,If at least one further layer of membrane material is applied to the reinforcement layer formed, or if at least one reinforcement layer is incorporated into the applied membrane material, preferably if membrane material is arranged on the side of the reinforcement layer facing the first electrode and on the side facing away from the first electrode, this can have the advantage that the proton exchange membrane is more stable and / or more homogeneous and / or improves proton conductivity. In some embodiments, the applied membrane material, onto which a reinforcement layer is or has been applied, penetrates this reinforcement layer completely or partially during or after application.In some embodiments, introducing at least one reinforcement layer into the applied membrane material comprises a preferably complete penetration of this reinforcement layer (in the thickness direction of the reinforcement layer) during introduction. Preferably, the reinforcement layer is lowered or immersed into the membrane material (in the thickness direction of the reinforcement layer). Preferably, after introducing at least one reinforcement layer into applied membrane material, membrane material is arranged on the side of the reinforcement layer facing the first electrode and on the side facing away from the first electrode.In some embodiments, applying a reinforcement layer to at least one layer of the applied membrane material involves no penetration or partial or complete penetration of this reinforcement layer (in the thickness direction of the reinforcement layer) during application and / or partial or complete penetration of this reinforcement layer (in the thickness direction of the reinforcement layer) after application. Thus, application with subsequent penetration of the reinforcement layer into the applied membrane material can be achieved.

[0073] Membrane material an introduction of the reinforcement layer into the applied

[0074] represent membrane material.

[0075] In some embodiments of the invention, the addition of the proton exchange membrane comprises, preferably instead of the above-explained in-situ production of the proton exchange membrane by applying membrane material with subsequent strength increase of this membrane material, placing a prefabricated proton exchange membrane on the added first electrode. In some embodiments of the invention, this can increase process reliability.

[0076] In some embodiments of the invention, the addition of the first electrode and proton exchange membrane comprises, preferably instead of the above-explained in-situ production of the first electrode and proton exchange membrane by applying electrode or membrane material with subsequent strength increase, arranging a prefabricated coated membrane comprising the proton exchange membrane coated with the first electrode on the first gas diffusion layer. In some embodiments of the invention, this prefabricated coated membrane comprises the proton exchange membrane coated with the first electrode and, on an opposite side, with the second electrode. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, the second electrode is added with the addition of the proton exchange membrane.

[0077] In some embodiments of the invention, process reliability can be increased as a result.

[0078] As already mentioned, in some embodiments of the invention, with or after the addition of the second gas diffusion layer, a second plate, preferably for supplying and / or removing fluid, in particular liquid fluid and / or gaseous fluid, preferably a (second) bipolar plate or a part of a (second) bipolar plate or a (second) bipolar sub-plate, in some embodiments a cathode sub-plate or anode sub-plate, is added such that the second gas diffusion layer is arranged between the second electrode and the second plate.

[0079] In some embodiments of the invention, this second plate is or functions at the same time (as) the first plate of a further assembly, which has preferably already been produced according to a method described here or, preferably after addition, is produced according to a method described here or is used as such, or is connected to a first plate of a further assembly, which has preferably already been produced according to a method described here or, preferably after connection, is produced according to a method described here, or is set up or provided for this purpose or is used for this purpose. In particular, the second plate of one or a first assembly can thus be a first plate, preferably a bipolar plate, of a further orsecond assembly, which has already been manufactured according to a method described here or is manufactured after this plate has been added to the first assembly according to a method described here; or a bipolar sub-plate, in particular an anode or cathode sub-plate, and the first plate of the further or second assembly, a further bipolar sub-plate, in particular a cathode or anode sub-plate, which are connected to form a bipolar plate or are designed or provided or used for this purpose, wherein this further or second assembly can preferably already have been manufactured according to a method described here or can be manufactured after the bipolar sub-plates have been connected according to a method described here; Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, a further assembly described here can be manufactured on an assembly manufactured as described here; and / or.

[0080] - at least two assemblies described here, preferably in parallel or successively, are manufactured as described here and subsequently connected to one another in such a way that the second plate of one assembly is simultaneously the first plate of the other assembly, wherein this connection can then correspond to the addition of this (common) plate to the one assembly; or the second plate of one assembly is or will be connected to the first plate of the other assembly.

[0081] This can have the advantage of reducing process time and / or improving the connection of the cell components. Connecting the second plate of one assembly to the first plate of the other assembly, and very advantageously connecting the two assemblies, preferably each already manufactured (to this extent), in such a way that the second plate of one assembly is simultaneously the first plate of the other, already manufactured (to this extent) assembly, or the manufacturing of one assembly or the addition of its second plate comprises this connection of the two assemblies, can particularly advantageously reduce process time and / or particularly improve the connection of the cell components.

[0082] In some embodiments of the invention, the applied molding material connects the first and second plates to one another, preferably in a material-to-material manner, at least in the finished assembly, preferably at least after its strength has increased, in particular after solidification. This can, in particular, improve the assembly and / or its production; in some embodiments, the assembly and / or its production can be more compact, more reliable, lighter, more cost-effective, and / or faster.

[0083] In some embodiments of the invention, the first plate and / or second plate (each) has an insulating coating that preferably provides electrical insulation. This can improve the function of the cell.

[0084] In some embodiments of the invention, this insulation coating is already produced in advance, or the first plate is already provided with this insulation coating in step A), or the first plate is already added with this insulation coating in step B) or b), or the second plate is already added with the insulation coating. This can have the advantage of reducing process time.

[0085] In some embodiments of the invention, the insulating coating of the first plate is produced during the method for manufacturing the assembly, preferably by or in a system described here. In some embodiments of the invention, the insulating coating of the first plate is produced on the first plate provided in step A) after this provision, preferably before adding the first gas diffusion layer and / or before applying the molding material. This can have the advantage of improving bonding.

[0086] In some embodiments of the invention, the or one or more layers of the molding material for forming the enclosure and / or the or one or more layers of the electrode material for adding or producing the first electrode and / or the electrode material for adding or producing the second electrode and / or the or one or more layers of the membrane material for adding orThe proton exchange membrane is produced (in each case) by means of, preferably by means of, one or more, in some embodiments, preferably horizontally and / or vertically and / or translationally, preferably in one, two or three directions, and / or rotationally, preferably about one, two or three axes, movable, preferably moving, and / or slit-like outlet openings, and / or by means of a printing process, particularly preferably a screen printing process, (droplet) jet printing process or the like, and / or is applied and / or, preferably during and / or afterward, solidified thermally and / or by means of irradiation, in some embodiments of the invention by means of UV irradiation. In some embodiments of the invention, this allows a process time to be reduced and / or a bond to be improved and / or the (corresponding) material to be applied more precisely.

[0087] In some embodiments of the invention, before adding at least one of the components of the assembly mentioned here, in some embodiments before adding the first gas diffusion layer and / or first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane and / or second electrode and / or second gas diffusion layer, one or more layers of the molding material which form / form the enclosure or at least a circumferential section of the enclosure is / are applied and this component(s), in some embodiments two or more of the components together and / or two or more of the components one after the other, is / are arranged within the enclosure which has already been at least partially formed, in particular by applying the layer(s).

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, after adding at least one of the components of the assembly mentioned here, in some embodiments before adding the first gas diffusion layer and / or first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane and / or second electrode and / or second gas diffusion layer, one or more layers of the molding material which form / form the enclosure or at least a circumferential section of the enclosure is / are applied in such a way that this component(s), in particular then or thereby, is / are or will be enclosed by the at least partially formed enclosure.

[0089] The at least partial formation of the enclosure by applying one or more layers of molding material before adding one or more of the components mentioned here can have the advantage of improving the addition of the component(s). In some embodiments of the invention, the already applied molding material can serve as a limit, preferably a stop, for adding, in some embodiments as a mold for manufacturing, one or more components. The at least partial formation of the enclosure by applying one or more layers of molding material after adding one or more of the components mentioned here can have the advantage that component(s) can be added more easily and / or can be advantageously connected to one another, sealed and / or insulated from one another after addition.In some embodiments of the invention, by applying molding material after adding one or more components, these are embedded in the molding material, which can (further) improve a connection, insulation or sealing. In some embodiments of the invention, an at least partially formed border (already) has or forms a closed or continuous circumference or edge or at least one circumferential section of the (fully formed) border. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, an (only) partially formed border is further formed by applying one or more further layers of molding material, preferably axially or in the stacking or construction direction, wherein preferably (also) the (only) partially formed border (already) has a closed or continuous circumference or edge and / or also the orone or more of the further layers each have a closed or continuous perimeter or edge. Particularly preferably, a circumferential section has or forms a closed or continuous perimeter or a (circumferentially) closed or continuous edge.

[0090] In some embodiments of the invention, applying molding material to the base or the first gas diffusion layer and / or the carrier on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged, the support on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged, or the first plate on which the first gas diffusion layer is arranged comprises applying a layer of a first molding material to the base or the first gas diffusion layer and / or the carrier, the support or the first plate and applying one or more additional layers, each forming a circumferential section of the enclosure, made of the first molding material; and / or applying one or more additional layers, each forming a circumferential section of the enclosure, made of a second molding material.

[0091] In some embodiments, one or more layers of the second molding material may be applied to one or more layers of the first molding material and one or more layers of the first molding material or one or more layers of a third molding material may be applied thereto.

[0092] This can have the advantage that the enclosure is produced in different sections from each particularly suitable molding material. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a multi-layer application of molding material comprises applying different molding materials, in particular the first and second and optionally third and optionally further molding materials.

[0093] In some embodiments of the invention, one or more of the additional layers of the first molding material and / or one or more of the additional layers of the second molding material have a different geometry than the layer applied to the base or the first gas diffusion layer and / or the carrier, the support, or the first plate. In some embodiments of the invention, at least two of the additional layers of the first molding material have different geometries from one another and / or at least two of the additional layers of the second molding material have different geometries from one another.

[0094] This can have the advantage that the frame is manufactured in different sections, each with a particularly suitable geometry, and / or that the mold material and geometry are matched to one another in different layers.

[0095] In some embodiments of the invention, the base is provided on one or wholly or partially by one of several individual supports of a conveyor system, in some embodiments the first plate with or without the first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon as the base on the support; or the underlays with the first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon without the first plate as the base on the support; or the support with the first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon (together) as the base or the base partially by the support; or a base without any structural components arranged thereon as the base on the support; or the support itself without any structural components or underlay arranged thereon as the base or the base by the support, and this support to one orthe application device, through which the, optionally remaining, construction components and, in some embodiments, one or more other of the components mentioned here, preferably the second electrode and / or second gas diffusion layer and / or second plate, are added.

[0096] In some embodiments of the invention, as already mentioned, the first gas diffusion layer is provided on one of several individual supports of a conveyor system; or on a base arranged on one of several individual supports of a conveyor system; or on a first plate of the assembly for supplying and / or removing fluid arranged on one of several individual supports of a conveyor system, and this support, with the provided first gas diffusion layer, is transported to an application device, through which the optionally remaining assembly components and, in some embodiments, one or more other of the components mentioned here, preferably the second electrode and / or second gas diffusion layer and / or first and / or second plate, are added. The two aforementioned aspects,In particular, the enclosure formed by applying single or multi-layered molding material to the provided base and the application of electrode and / or membrane material with subsequent strength increase can, as already mentioned elsewhere, be particularly advantageously combined with one another in some embodiments of the invention. In particular, the first plate can be provided with the first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon as a base on the carrier, and thereby the first gas diffusion layer can be provided on the first plate arranged on the carrier; or the bases can be provided with the first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon without the first plate as a base on the carrier, and thereby the first gas diffusion layer can be provided on the base arranged on the carrier; or the carrier can be provided with the first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon as a base, and thereby the first gas diffusion layer can be provided on the carrier,without the invention being limited thereto.

[0097] In some embodiments of the invention, an application device or the application device for adding the, possibly remaining, assembly components and, in some embodiments, one or more other components mentioned here, has one or more stations, preferably spaced apart or separate from one another. It can, in particular, be an application system, preferably a production line or part of a production line. In some embodiments, one of the components is added at each station of the application device.

[0098] This can have the advantage that the base can be positioned more precisely and / or quickly for addition, thereby improving the addition, in particular process time and / or process reliability. Using the carrier itself as the base or part of the base, or applying at least one layer of the molding material, which forms the enclosure or at least a circumferential section of the enclosure, (also) to the carrier, and / or providing the first gas diffusion layer on the carrier itself, can have the advantage that the assembly can be better positioned and / or moved during the addition of the further (assembly) components, in particular by being connected to the carrier.

[0099] The use of the first plate as a base or part of the base, or the application of at least one layer of the molding material, which forms the enclosure or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure, (also) to the first plate can have the advantage—compared to building the assembly on a base different from the assembly components—that detaching the molding material from the base is eliminated, thus allowing for faster production. Providing the first gas diffusion layer on the first plate arranged on the carrier can improve, in particular accelerate, the production of the assembly.

[0100] The use of a support provided on the carrier as a base or part of the base, or the application of at least one layer of the molding material, which forms the border or at least a peripheral section of the border, (also) to this support, can have the advantage of facilitating detachment of the molding material from the support and / or allowing the carrier to be used for other purposes during detachment. Providing the first gas diffusion layer on the support arranged on the carrier can also have the advantage that the carrier can be used for other purposes after the support has been dispensed.

[0101] In some embodiments of the invention, the carrier(s) is / are (each) individually movable, preferably independently controllable and / or mechanically independently movable, preferably the carrier which carries or at least partially forms the base or on which the first gas diffusion layer is provided or the base or first plate is arranged, or the carriers of the conveyor system are (each) individually moved, preferably mechanically independently of other carriers of the conveyor system which have bases for producing identical assemblies or at least partially form them or on which first gas diffusion layers of identical assemblies are provided or bases or first plate are arranged for this purpose, and / or independently of other carriers of the conveyor system which have bases for producing identical assemblies or at least partially form them oron which first gas diffusion layers of identical assemblies are provided or for which bases or a first plate are arranged. In some embodiments of the invention, the carriers are carriers of a multi-carrier system, which in some embodiments moves individual carriers and / or carrier groups, preferably synchronously (or synchronously) to add the, optionally remaining, assembly components and in some embodiments one or more other of the components mentioned here, wherein in some embodiments acceleration and / or speed and / or positioning and / or direction of movement can be specified at one or more points along the (carrier) route.

[0102] This can have the advantage that stations of the application device can be approached variably for adding components, which can have the advantage of reducing or avoiding waiting times and / or better utilizing the application device. Additionally or alternatively, individually movable or moved supports can have the advantage of improving the precision of positioning the base or first gas diffusion layer and thus the addition of components. In some embodiments, the (respective) support is moved during, in particular for applying molding material, electrode material and / or membrane material, preferably horizontally and / or vertically and / or translationally, preferably in one, two or three directions, and / or rotationally, preferably about one, two or three axes.

[0103] As a result, in some embodiments, the manufacture of the enclosure or first and / or second electrode or proton membrane can be improved, in particular accelerated and / or carried out more precisely.

[0104] In some embodiments of the invention, the carrier which carries or at least partially forms the base or on which the first gas diffusion layer is provided or the base or first plate is arranged is transported from one station to another station of at least one pair of stations of the application device, preferably (further) transported within the application device.

[0105] This can have the advantage that stations of the application device can be variably approached for adding components, which can reduce or eliminate waiting times and / or improve the utilization of the application device. Additionally or alternatively, individually movable or moving carriers can have the advantage of improving the precision of positioning the base or first gas diffusion layer and thus the addition of components.

[0106] Additionally or alternatively, the carrier with the base or first gas diffusion layer or arranged support or first plate provided thereon is, in some embodiments of the invention, discharged from a section of the conveyor system as a function of, preferably as a result of, a message, in particular an error message, preferably as a function of, preferably as a result of (a result of) a test, in some embodiments an optical and / or functional test by means of an optical or functional test device of the application device, in particular if the test reveals a fault (state) in the assembly that has been at least partially manufactured up to that point, in particular in one or more of the (assembly) components that have already been added.

[0107] As a result, in some embodiments of the invention, unnecessary further production of a defective assembly can be avoided, which can have the advantage of saving process time and / or resources. In some embodiments of the invention, a base or partially assembled assembly that has been discharged as a function of an error message is sent to reworking, preferably to automated or manual reworking inside or outside the application device and, if appropriate, after (successful) reworking, is reinserted at a suitable location and the assembly is further manufactured, in particular the still missing assembly components and / or one or more other of the components mentioned here, preferably the second electrode and / or second gas diffusion layer and / or second plate, are added.

[0108] In some embodiments of the invention, the application device is modified after the assembly has been manufactured by replacing at least one station of the application device with another station, and at least one further assembly is manufactured according to a method described here. In some embodiments of the invention, at least these two stations are designed in a modular manner.

[0109] This can advantageously make it possible to adapt the application device as needed and / or to gradually convert, particularly upgrade, it may be particularly advantageous to replace individual stations with stations that have been tried and tested outside the application device. This can have the advantage of eliminating the need to go through an entire manufacturing process to test individual stations. Additionally or alternatively, this can improve the maintainability and maintenance of the application device.

[0110] In some embodiments of the invention, an electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell or electrolysis cell, comprises: a first plate for the supply and / or removal of fluid, in particular liquid fluid and / or gaseous fluid, preferably a bipolar plate or bipolar sub-plate, in some embodiments an anode sub-plate or cathode sub-plate; a second plate for the supply and / or removal of fluid, in particular liquid fluid and / or gaseous fluid, preferably a bipolar plate or bipolar sub-plate, in some embodiments a cathode sub-plate or anode sub-plate; a membrane-electrode assembly arranged between the first and second plates, comprising a first electrode facing the first plate; a second electrode facing the second plate; and a proton exchange membrane arranged between the first and second electrodes.a first gas diffusion layer disposed between the first plate and the first electrode; and a second gas diffusion layer disposed between the second electrode and the second plate.

[0111] In some embodiments of the invention, an assembly of the electrochemical cell comprising at least the first gas diffusion layer, first electrode and proton exchange membrane, preferably also the second electrode and / or second gas diffusion layer and / or first and / or second plate, is manufactured according to a method described herein.

[0112] Additionally or alternatively, a molding material adhering to the first plate, which forms a peripheral seal of a reaction space between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane and / or of a reaction space between the proton exchange membrane and the second plate and / or electrically insulates the first plate from the proton exchange membrane and / or second plate, at least partially overlaps a transition region of the first plate with electrode-side openings for fluid to be supplied and / or discharged, in particular a so-called “transition area”, and / or encompasses at least one through-opening of the first plate for fluid and / or is applied at most up to an outer edge of the first plate or extends at most up to an outer edge of the first plate. The at least partial covering by the molding material can have the advantage that electrode material is reduced orwhich has previously also been present in this transition region, in particular if the transition region has previously been covered with a prefabricated proton exchange membrane coated with electrode material. Accordingly, in some embodiments of the invention, electrode material can be limited, at least substantially, to a so-called electrochemically active area (“active area”) or reaction space and can thereby be reduced or saved compared to previous methods or electrochemical cells. Enclosing through-openings with the mold material can have the advantage that sealing is simplified and / or improved. Limiting the mold material in such a way that it extends at most to an outer edge of the first plate, in particular ends before this, can have the advantage that handling of the first plate is simplified and / or improved.

[0113] Particularly advantageously, two or more electrochemical cells or assemblies described herein can be electrically connected in series, and for this purpose, the second plate of an electrochemical cell of a cell stack can be identical to or connected to the first plate of an adjacent electrochemical cell of the cell stack. This can have the advantage of increasing performance and / or reducing installation space.

[0114] In some embodiments of the invention, a system for producing one or more, preferably structurally identical, assemblies described here for one or more, preferably structurally identical, electrochemical cells described here, in particular for producing one or more, preferably structurally identical, cell stacks described here, comprises an application device and, in some embodiments, a conveyor system, preferably the conveyor system described here with several individual carriers, wherein in some embodiments:

[0115] .preferably by the conveyor system, a (respective) base, which has only a part of the (respective) assembly components, is provided on the application device, and the remaining assembly components and optionally one or more of the (respective) other components mentioned here, preferably the (respective) second electrode and / or (respective) second gas diffusion layer and / or (respective) second plate, are added by the application device; or .preferably by the conveyor system, the (respective) base, which is different from the assembly components of the (respective) assembly, is provided on the application device, and the assembly components of the (respective) assembly and optionally one or more of the (respective) other components mentioned here, preferably the (respective) second electrode and / or (respective) second gas diffusion layer and / or (respective) second plate, are added by the application device; orthe first gas diffusion layer is provided by the conveyor system on one of several individual supports of the conveyor system; or on a base arranged on one of several individual supports of the conveyor system; or on a first plate of the assembly arranged on one of several individual supports of the conveyor system for the supply and / or removal of fluid, and the assembly components of the (respective) assembly and optionally one or more of the (respective) other components mentioned here, preferably the (respective) second electrode and / or (respective) second gas diffusion layer and / or (respective) second plate, are added by the application device; or the system, in particular the application device and optionally the conveyor system, is / are set up or is / are used for this purpose.As mentioned elsewhere, in some embodiments of the invention the application device has one or more, preferably spaced-apart or separate, stations, and can in particular be an application system, preferably a production line or part of a production line. In some embodiments of the invention the conveyor system comprises a multi-carrier system, and can in particular be such a system, or the carriers are carriers of a or this multi-carrier system, which in some embodiments moves individual carriers and / or carrier groups, preferably synchronously (or in a synchronized manner) to add the, optionally remaining, assembly components and in some embodiments one or more other of the components mentioned here, wherein in some embodiments acceleration and / or speed and / or positioning and / or direction of movement can be specified at one or more points along the (carrier) route.The conveyor system can be part of the production line. In some embodiments of the invention, the system comprises a production line, or in some embodiments, it is a production line.

[0116] The molding material, in particular one or more layers of the molding material, in some embodiments (each) comprises one or more radically or cationically curing reactive substance(s), in particular reactive adhesive(s) and preferably one or more corresponding sealant(s), in some embodiments it or they consist of these. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the molding material, in particular one or more layers of the molding material, comprises / comprise silicone material or one or more silicones, in some embodiments it or they consist of these. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the molding material, in particular one or more layers of the molding material, comprises / comprise one or more polyurethane(s) and particularly preferably polyisobutene or polyisobutylene (PIB), in some embodiments it or they consist of these.Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the mold material, in particular one or more layers of the mold material, comprises / comprising epoxy material and particularly preferably one or more epoxy resins; in some embodiments, it or they consist thereof. The membrane material, in particular one or more layers of the membrane material, in some embodiments comprises / comprising an ionomer or a mixture with one or more ionomers; in some embodiments, it or they consist thereof. In some embodiments, the electrode material for producing the first electrode and / or the electrode material for producing the second electrode is / comprising a composite and / or comprises a catalytically active material, which preferably comprises nanoscale particles. In some embodiments, the nanoscale particles are in turn located on larger carrier particles, preferably made of carbon or the like.The catalytically active material is particularly preferably platinum (Pt), a Pt alloy, a combination of Pt and one or more other metals, or a Pt compound such as platinum oxide (PtO, PtO2 or the like). In some embodiments, the electrode material preferably additionally comprises at least one ionomer. This advantageously allows ionic conductivity to be realized. The carrier particles can advantageously realize electrical conductivity. The electrode material for producing the first electrode and / or the electrode material for producing the second electrode can contain further chemical components. In some embodiments, the electrode material for producing the second electrode comprises at least one different material than the electrode material for producing the first electrode. The orIn some embodiments, one or more reinforcing layers comprise, and in some embodiments consist of, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE).

[0117] These materials have proven particularly advantageous, without the present invention being limited thereto. Increasing the strength, in particular actively strengthening, of molding material, electrode material, and / or membrane material comprises, in some embodiments, increasing the degree of polymerization and / or increasing the degree of crosslinking and / or volatilizing a solvent and / or drying and / or annealing, preferably after drying.

[0118] These process steps for increasing strength have proven to be particularly advantageous, without the present invention being limited thereto.

[0119] If, in some embodiments, a prefabricated frame is used instead of the enclosure formed by applying a single or multi-layer of molding material to the provided base or first gas diffusion layer and / or the carrier, the support or the first plate, it is provided in some of these embodiments that the first electrode, if appropriate, also adheres to the prefabricated frame; and / or the membrane material, if appropriate, also adheres to the prefabricated frame; and / or

[0120] - at least in the finished assembly, the second electrode is enclosed by the prefabricated frame arranged on the first gas diffusion layer or a prefabricated frame arranged on the proton exchange membrane; and / or the electrode material for adding the second electrode is applied within the prefabricated frame arranged on the first gas diffusion layer or the prefabricated frame arranged on the proton exchange membrane; and / or the second electrode, optionally also, adheres to the prefabricated frame arranged on the first gas diffusion layer or the prefabricated frame arranged on the proton exchange membrane.

[0121] In this regard, reference is made to the explanations regarding the edging, whereby the edging is considered to be particularly advantageous, particularly due to the advantages mentioned, while the prefabricated frame can have the particular advantage of saving time.

[0122] In some embodiments of the invention, the carrier on which the first gas diffusion layer is or is provided or the base or first plate is arranged on which the first gas diffusion layer is or is provided, or the carrier on which the base is or is provided or by which the base is or is at least partially provided, during the application of

[0123] Moulding material through which the enclosure is formed; and / or

[0124] Electrode material for adding the first electrode; and / or electrode material for adding the second electrode; and / or membrane material for adding the proton exchange membrane is moved, preferably horizontally and / or vertically and / or translationally, preferably in one, two or three directions, and / or rotationally, preferably about one, two or three axes, wherein in some embodiments one or more outlet openings through which the corresponding material is applied can be stationary or additionally also be moved, preferably horizontally and / or vertically and / or translationally, preferably in one, two or three directions, and / or rotationally, preferably about one, two or three axes.

[0125] This allows the material to be applied advantageously, particularly quickly, precisely, variably and / or in particularly advantageous movement patterns.

[0126] In some embodiments, the carrier may also remain stationary during the application of mold material for forming the enclosure; and / or electrode material for adding the first electrode; and / or electrode material for adding the second electrode; and / or membrane material for adding the proton exchange membrane. This can, in particular, increase application precision.

[0127] A component, in particular a “component mentioned in the claims” of the assembly can in particular be one of the structural components, preferably the first or second plate or the first or second gas diffusion layer or the first or second electrode or the proton exchange membrane.

[0128] A first or second plate mentioned here can (each) comprise, in particular, a bipolar plate or bipolar sub-plate, in some embodiments an anode sub-plate or cathode sub-plate for a bipolar plate. For a more compact representation, bipolar plates and bipolar sub-plates, in particular anode sub-plates and cathode sub-plates for or of bipolar plates, are also collectively referred to as "bipolar (sub-)plate." Such a bipolar sub-plate is also a plate for the supply and / or discharge of fluid.

[0129] The terms "comprises," "includes," "has," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that comprises or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent in such method or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).The terms "a" or "an" as used herein are defined to mean "one or more." The terms "another" and "another," as well as any other variations thereof, are to be understood to mean "at least one more." The term "configured" or "set up" to perform a particular function (and respective variations thereof), as used herein, is to be understood that a respective device or component thereof is already in a configuration or setting in which it can perform the function, or is at least adjustable—i.e., configurable—so that it can perform the function after being set accordingly. The configuration can be achieved, for example, by setting parameters of a process flow or switches or similar devices to activate or deactivate functionalities or settings.In particular, the device may have a plurality of predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration may be performed by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0130] Exemplary embodiments described herein, in particular their respective features, can be combined with one another as desired, in particular to form new embodiments, unless this is expressly excluded or is technically impossible.

[0131] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. These show, partly schematically,

[0132] Figures 1A, 1B show a part of a plant during the production of an assembly for an electrochemical cell of a cell stack according to an embodiment of the invention in a method step in a horizontal section (Figure 1A) and a plan view (Figure 1B), respectively;

[0133] Figures 2A, 2B show part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0134] Figures 3A, 3B show part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0135] Figures 4A, 4B show part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0136] Figures 5A, 5B show part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0137] Figures 6A, 6B show part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0138] Figures 7A, 7B show a part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step in a representation corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0139] Figures 8A, 8B show part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0140] Figures 9A, 9B show part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0141] Figures 10A, 10B show a part of the system during the manufacture of the assembly in a further process step corresponding to Figures 1A, 1B;

[0142] Figure 11 shows a part of a cell stack with the electrochemical cell with the manufactured assembly in a representation corresponding to Figure 1A;

[0143] Figure 12 shows a further method step; Figures 13A, 13B show alternative embodiments of the invention in a representation corresponding to Figure 3A; and

[0144] Figure 14 shows the plant during the production of assemblies for electrochemical cells in a plan view; and

[0145] Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in a representation corresponding to Figure 5A.

[0146] In the figures, like reference numerals designate like, similar, or corresponding elements. Elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements depicted in the figures are depicted in such a way that their function and general purpose will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0147] Figures 1A, 1B show part of a plant during the production of an assembly for an electrochemical cell of a cell stack according to an embodiment in a method step in a horizontal section (Figure 1A) and a plan view (Figure 1B).

[0148] On one of several identical individual supports 100 (see also Figure 14) of a conveyor system 1000, a first plate in the form of a bipolar or bipolar partial plate 10 is provided as a base, which has through openings 11.1-11.6 for various fluids in a manner known per se and transition areas 12.1, 12.2 on both head sections as well as a flow field with channels 13, so that in operation in some embodiments hydrogen or air can be supplied in a manner known per se, flow through the respective flow field 13 and can react electrochemically there, wherein reaction products and / or residues, in some embodiments hydrogen and / or air which has not reacted, and / or water are accordingly removed, so that the electrochemical cell is set up, used or operated as a fuel cell.In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell can conversely be configured, used, or operated as an electrolysis cell. If the first plate is a bipolar sub-plate for a bipolar plate, it can in particular be an anode sub-plate or cathode sub-plate. As mentioned above, bipolar and bipolar sub-plates are collectively referred to as "bipolar (sub-)plates," in other words, a bipolar (sub-)plate mentioned here can each be a bipolar plate or bipolar sub-plate. If the first plate is a bipolar plate, the production of the bipolar plate and / or the stability of the base can be improved thereby, or by providing it as an already manufactured bipolar plate.

[0149] In a process step illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the bipolar (partial) plate 10 is provided with an electrical insulation coating 14 at a station 214 (see Figure 14) of an application device 2000 of the system. The corresponding station 214 is indicated in Figures 2A by a coating device 114 with at least one outlet opening 114.1.

[0150] In some embodiments, the bipolar (partial) plate 10 may instead already have the electrical insulation coating 14 when it is provided as a base. In this case, the process step or the corresponding station 214 illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B may be omitted.

[0151] At a station 221 (see Figure 14) of the application device 2000, a first gas diffusion layer 21 is added in a process step illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B by being arranged on the insulation coating 14 of the bipolar (partial) plate 10. This station 221 of the application device 2000 is indicated in Figure 3A by a gas diffusion layer arrangement device 121.

[0152] At a further station 270 of the application device 2000, in a process step illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, one or more layers of molding material 70 are applied to the bipolar (partial) plate 10 provided as a base. The strength of the layer increases as the process progresses, optionally being actively solidified at one or more stations. This station 270 is indicated in Figure 4A by a molding material application device 170 with at least one outlet opening 170.1. In some embodiments, the molding material 70 can be applied by screen printing, (droplet) jet printing, or the like.

[0153] The applied molding material 70 at least partially forms a border, which preferably (already) has a closed or continuous periphery or edge, or at least a circumferential section of the (complete) border. Two or more layers can consist of the same molding material. Additionally or alternatively, two or more layers can also consist of different molding materials. The molding material 70 is also applied to one or an (outer) edge of the first gas diffusion layer 21, so that it connects the bipolar (partial) plate 10 and the first gas diffusion layer 21 to one another and the first gas diffusion layer 21 is enclosed by the molding material 70 (providing the first plate and the first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon as a base and applying molding material to this base or first plate and first gas diffusion layer).

[0154] The molding material 70 is applied in such a way that it does not reach an outer edge of the bipolar (partial) plate 10, but overlaps the transition regions 12.1, 12.2 (not specifically shown in Fig. 4B, cf. Figs. 1B, 3B) above or above the first gas diffusion layer 21 and encompasses the through openings 11.1-11.6.

[0155] In some embodiments, one or more layers of molding material can be applied prior to the first gas diffusion layer 21 being arranged on the bipolar (partial) plate 10, so that they (additionally) fix the first gas diffusion layer 21 upon its arrangement on the bipolar (partial) plate 10. Again, two or more layers can be made of the same molding material and / or two or more layers can be made of different molding materials (providing the first plate without a first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon as a base and applying molding material to this base or first plate).

[0156] In some embodiments, the bipolar plate 10 is added later and instead in some embodiments:

[0157] Molding material is applied to the carrier 100 provided as a base or to a base 1 arranged thereon and provided as a base, and then the first gas diffusion layer 21 is added and, if necessary, further molding material is applied (providing a base different from the structural components and applying molding material to this base or carrier or base); or the first gas diffusion layer 21 is arranged on the carrier 100 or a base 1 arranged thereon and (only) then molding material is applied (providing the carrier or the bases and the first gas diffusion layer arranged thereon as a base and applying molding material to this base or carrier / base and first gas diffusion layer); preferably in each case such that the first gas diffusion layer 21 is enclosed by the molding material 70 as illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B. In both cases, the method steps illustrated in Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B are omitted.the corresponding stations, Figure 3A is replaced by Figure 13A, in which a placement of the first gas diffusion layer 21 on a base 1 arranged on the carrier 100 is illustrated, or Figure 13B, in which a placement of the first gas diffusion layer 21 on the carrier 100 is illustrated, and in Figures 3B-10B the bipolar (partial) plate 10 is omitted or is replaced by the base 1 shown only in Figure 13A, so that the first gas diffusion layer 21 is arranged directly on the carrier 100 or the base 1 arranged thereon, wherein the steps or stations of Figures 3A, 3B and 4A, 4B can be interchanged. In some embodiments, the bipolar (partial) plate 10 is added after the process step or station of Figures 10A, 10B or 11 by separating the structure shown there from the carrier 100 and optionally the base 1 and instead connecting it to the bipolar (partial) plate 10.

[0158] After the first gas diffusion layer 21 arranged on the bipolar (partial) plate 10 or on the carrier 100 or the base 1 is enclosed by the already partially formed enclosure (see Figures 4A, 4B), electrode material is applied to the first gas diffusion layer 21 within this partially formed enclosure. This is illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B; the corresponding station 231 (see Figure 14) is indicated in Figure 5A by an electrode material application device 131 with at least one outlet opening 131.1. The strength of the electrode material increases as the process progresses; if necessary, it is actively solidified at one or more stations.

[0159] As a result, a first electrode 31 is produced or added in situ, which adheres to the already partially formed enclosure and to the first gas diffusion layer 21.

[0160] Subsequently, membrane material 40 is applied to the first electrode 31 within the partially formed enclosure. This is illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B. The corresponding station 240 (see Figure 14) is indicated in Figure 6A by a membrane material application device 140 with at least one outlet opening 140.1. The strength of the membrane material increases as the process progresses; if necessary, it is actively solidified at one or more stations.

[0161] Subsequently, at a corresponding station 241 (cf. Figure 14) of the application device 2000, a reinforcement layer 41 is applied to the applied membrane material 40 in a process step illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B. This station 241 is indicated in Figure 7A by a reinforcement layer arrangement device 141. In some embodiments, the applied membrane material 40 is not yet (fully) solidified, preferably at least substantially not (at all) solidified compared to the applications explained above. In this way, the applied reinforcement layer 41 can be penetrated by the applied membrane material 40. Preferably, a substantial, in particular complete, solidification of the applied membrane material 40, preferably by drying, discharge of solvent, or the like, only takes place after the reinforcement layer has been, preferably completely, penetrated by the applied membrane material.

[0162] As a result, a proton exchange membrane 42 is produced or added in situ, the membrane material of which adheres to the already partially formed enclosure and to the first electrode 31.

[0163] In some embodiments, additional membrane material can be applied to the applied reinforcement layer 41, or the reinforcement layer 41 can be incorporated into the applied membrane material 40. The reinforcement layer or corresponding station 241 can also be omitted in some embodiments.

[0164] In some embodiments, instead of applying membrane material, optionally with the addition or introduction of at least one reinforcement layer, a prefabricated proton exchange membrane can also be arranged on the added first electrode 31. In this case, the process steps illustrated in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B or the corresponding stations 240, 241 can be omitted.

[0165] In some embodiments, instead of applying electrode material and membrane material, optionally with the addition or introduction of at least one reinforcement layer, a prefabricated proton exchange membrane already coated with the first electrode 31 and preferably also with the second electrode 32 explained below can be arranged on the first gas diffusion layer 21. In this case, the process steps or the corresponding stations illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B and 8A, 8B can be omitted, and the proton exchange membrane coated with the electrode 31 and optionally electrode 32 can be added in Figures 7A, 7B.

[0166] If the second electrode 32 has not already been added (by adding the appropriately coated proton exchange membrane), in some embodiments, additional molding material 71 is applied, which also forms part of the enclosure. Two or more layers of this additional molding material 71 can consist of the same molding material as one layer of the molding material 70. Additionally or alternatively, two or more layers of this additional molding material 71 can also consist of different molding materials.

[0167] As a result, the reinforcement layer 41 can advantageously be fixed, if necessary additionally.

[0168] This additional molding material 71 can also be omitted in some embodiments and is only indicated by dashed lines in the figures; a corresponding station is not shown in Figure 14. In some embodiments, the molding material 70 (cf. Figures 4A, 4B) can also be applied correspondingly higher and the reinforcement layer can be dimensioned correspondingly smaller or its edge can be sunk into the still correspondingly absorbent molding material.

[0169] If the second electrode 32 has not already been added (by adding the appropriately coated proton exchange membrane), in some embodiments, electrode material is applied to the proton exchange membrane, optionally within the already partially formed enclosure. This is illustrated in Figures 8A, 8B; the corresponding station 232 (cf. Figure 14) is indicated in Figure 8A by an electrode material application device 132 with at least one outlet opening 132.1. The strength of this electrode material increases as the process progresses; if necessary, it is actively solidified at one or more stations.

[0170] This creates or adds a second electrode 32 in situ, which adheres to the already partially formed enclosure and to the proton exchange membrane.

[0171] At a corresponding station 222 (see Figure 14) of the application device 2000, a second gas diffusion layer 22 is added in a process step illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B by placing it on the second electrode 32. This station is indicated in Figure 9A by a gas diffusion layer arrangement device 122 of the application device 2000.

[0172] At a further station 272 (see Figure 14) of the application device 2000, one or more layers of molding material 72 are applied in a process step illustrated in Figures 10A, 10B. The strength of the molding material increases as the process progresses, optionally being actively consolidated at one or more stations. This station is indicated in Figure 10A by a molding material application device 172 with at least one outlet opening 172.1. In some embodiments, the molding material 72 can be applied by screen printing, (droplet) jet printing, or the like.

[0173] The applied molding material 70, 72, and optionally 71 forms the fully formed enclosure. Two or more layers can consist of the same molding material. Additionally or alternatively, two or more layers can also consist of different molding materials.

[0174] In some embodiments, one or more layers of the molding material 72 can be applied prior to the placement of the second gas diffusion layer 22, so that they fix the second gas diffusion layer 22 upon placement on the second electrode 22. Again, two or more layers can be made of the same molding material and / or two or more layers can be made of different molding materials.

[0175] After adding the second gas diffusion layer 22, a second plate 10' is added such that the second gas diffusion layer 22 is arranged between the second electrode and this second plate. This, or a corresponding station, is illustrated in Figure 11.

[0176] In some embodiments, this second plate 10' can simultaneously be a first plate of a further assembly, which has already been manufactured previously or in parallel as described here (as indicated in Figure 12) or is subsequently manufactured as described here, in which case this first plate can then remain on the carrier 100 or be provided thereon. In some embodiments, this second plate 10' can also be a bipolar sub-plate, in particular an anode or cathode sub-plate, which is connected to a first plate in the form of a (further) bipolar sub-plate, in particular a cathode or anode sub-plate, of a further assembly, which is or has been manufactured as described here, to form a bipolar plate, or is configured or provided or used for this purpose.

[0177] In some embodiments, the assembly of Figures 10A, 10B can be separated from the carrier 100 and connected to another, preferably identically constructed and / or similarly manufactured, further assembly, preferably in such a way that the first or bipolar plate 10' of this further assembly is placed onto the second gas diffusion layer 22 or enclosure or molding material 72 and is integrally connected to the assembly of Figures 10A, 10B, preferably by this molding material 72. Likewise, it can be advantageous to connect the second or bipolar sub-plate 10' in or after the configuration illustrated in Figure 11 to a first or bipolar sub-plate of another, preferably identically constructed and / or similarly manufactured, further assembly to form a bipolar plate, wherein this further assembly can already have been manufactured or can be manufactured after the connection.

[0178] As can be seen in particular in Figure 11, the applied molding material 70, 72 and optionally 71 connects, at least in the finished assembly and after its increase in strength, the structural components 10, 21, 31, 40 and 41 as well as the further components 22, 32 and 10', insulates the first plate 10 and

[0179] Proton exchange membrane 42 electrically against each other and forms a peripheral seal of a reaction space R1 between the first plate 10 and the proton exchange membrane 42 as well as a reaction space R2 between the proton exchange membrane 42 and the second plate 10'. The first and second gas diffusion layers 21, 22, the first and second electrodes 31, 32 and the proton exchange membrane 42 are enclosed by the border formed by the molding material 70, 72 and optionally 71. The molding material 70, 72 and optionally 71 is applied at most up to an outer edge of the first plate. The first bipolar (partial) plate 10 has transition regions with electrode-side openings 12.1, 12.2 for fluid, which are at least partially overlapped by the applied molding material and at least partially by the first gas diffusion layer. In addition, the first bipolar (partial) plate has 10 through openings 11.1-11.6 for fluid, which are encompassed by the applied molding material.

[0180] Figure 12 illustrates the addition of the second plate 10', which is at the same time a plate of a further assembly manufactured as described above, wherein, as can be seen in the figure, the further assembly has already been manufactured.

[0181] Figure 12 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the applied molding material 72 has elevations 72.1 at a contact point between the second plate 10' and the molding material before contact between the plate and the molding material, and the second plate 10' has elevations 10.T at a contact point between the second plate 10' and the molding material 72. In some embodiments, the elevations 72.1 and / or 10.T can be omitted and / or analogously at a contact point between the first plate 10 and the molding material 70, the first plate 10 and / or the molding material 70 have corresponding elevations before contact between the plate and the molding material and / or analogously corresponding elevations can also be provided on the upper side of the further assembly (upper in Figure 12).

[0182] As explained above, the second plate 10' can also be a bipolar sub-plate which is connected to another bipolar sub-plate to form a bipolar plate or is designed, provided or used for this purpose.

[0183] Figure 14 has already been partially explained. Figure 14 also shows exemplary test stations 233, 243, and 235, as well as rework stations 234 and 236.

[0184] In the test station 233 or 235, the first or second electrode is tested by a test device 133 or 135. If an error is detected, the corresponding carrier 100 is diverted to the rework station 234 or 236 as a result of a corresponding (error) message, and an attempt is made to rework the first or second electrode there. If this is successful, the carrier is fed back in (to station 240 or 222), otherwise it is removed from the process. If a defect in the proton exchange membrane is detected in the test station 243 by a test device 143, the corresponding carrier 100 is diverted from the process as a result of a corresponding (error) message. These stations or method steps are exemplary; in some embodiments, one or more of these stations 233, 243, 235, 234, 236 or corresponding method steps can be omitted and / or corresponding further stations orProcedural steps must be provided.

[0185] In some embodiments, the carrier 100 (also)

[0186] - during the provision of the bipolar (partial) plate 10 with the electrical insulation coating 14 (see Figures 2A, 2B); and / or

[0187] - during the application of one or more layers of molding material 70 (see Figures 4A, 4B); and / or

[0188] - during the application of electrode material to the first gas diffusion layer 21 for producing or adding the first electrode 31 (see Figures 5A, 5B); and / or

[0189] - during the application of membrane material 40 to the first electrode 31 (see Figures 6A, 6B) and / or during the application of further membrane material to the applied reinforcement layer 41; and / or

[0190] - during the application of further molding material 71 (see Figures 8A, 8B); and / or - during the application of electrode material to the proton exchange membrane for producing or adding the second electrode 32 (see Figures 8A, 8B); and / or

[0191] - moved during the application of molding material 72 (cf. Figures 10A, 10B), preferably horizontally in one or two directions and / or vertically. As a result, in some embodiments, the corresponding outlet openings (cf. 114.1, 170.1, 131.1, 140.1, 132.1, 172.1) can be stationary and thus the corresponding station can be designed more simply. Likewise, one or more corresponding outlet openings can also be moved each, preferably horizontally in one or two directions and / or vertically, during application in addition to a movement of the carrier. This allows particularly advantageous movement patterns to be realized and / or the process speed to be increased. Likewise, the carrier can itself remain stationary during at least one application described here. This allows precision to be increased.

[0192] Figures 3A, 3B illustrate a first gas diffusion layer 21 provided on a carrier 100 of several individual carriers of the conveyor system 1000 (see Figure 14).

[0193] Figure 13A illustrates a first gas diffusion layer 21 provided on a base 1 (arranged on a carrier 100 of several individual carriers of the conveyor system 1000 (cf. Figure 14)).

[0194] Figure 13B illustrates a first gas diffusion layer 21 provided on a carrier 100 of several individual carriers of the conveyor system 1000 (see Figure 14).

[0195] Figure 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in a representation corresponding to Figure 5A, wherein a prefabricated frame 300 is provided instead of the enclosure formed by applying molding material. As explained with reference to Figures 13A, 13B, here too, the first gas diffusion layer 21 can be provided on the carrier 100 itself or the base 1 instead of on the bipolar (partial) plate 10.

[0196] For a more compact illustration, the insulating coating 14 is marked only on one side of the plates 10, 10'. Preferably, the insulating coating 14 of the plate 10 and / or the plate 10', in particular if it is (in each case) a bipolar plate, is arranged or formed on both sides (in Figures 11, 12 also on the underside of the plate 10; in Figure 11 also on the top side, and in Figure 12 also on the underside of the plate 10').

[0197] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0198] 1 pad

[0199] 10 first (bipolar (part)) plate

[0200] 10' second (bipolar (part)) plate

[0201] 10.T Survey

[0202] 11.1-11.6 Through opening

[0203] 12.1 , 12.2 Transition area

[0204] 13 Flow field with channels

[0205] 14 Insulation coating

[0206] 21 first gas diffusion layer

[0207] 22 second gas diffusion layer

[0208] 31 first electrode

[0209] 32 second electrode

[0210] 40 membrane material

[0211] 41 reinforcement layer

[0212] 42 Proton exchange membrane

[0213] 70-72 molding material

[0214] 72.1 Survey

[0215] 100 supports of the conveyor system of the plant

[0216] 114 Coating device

[0217] 114.1 Exit opening

[0218] 121 , 122 Gas diffusion layer arrangement device

[0219] 131 , 132 Electrode material application device

[0220] 131.1 , 132.1 Exit opening

[0221] 133, 135 Test device

[0222] 140 Membrane material application device

[0223] 140.1 Exit opening

[0224] 141 Reinforcement layer arrangement device

[0225] 143 Test device

[0226] 170, 172 molding material application device

[0227] 170.1 , 172.1 Exit opening

[0228] 214, 221 , 222, 231-236, 240, 241 , 243, 270, 272 Station of the application device of the system

[0229] 300 prefabricated frames

[0230] 1000 conveyor system

[0231] 2000 Application facility

[0232] R1 , R2 reaction space

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for producing an assembly for an electrochemical cell, wherein the assembly comprises at least the following structural components: a first plate (10; 10') for supplying and / or removing fluid; a proton exchange membrane (42); a first electrode (31) arranged between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane; and a first gas diffusion layer (21) arranged between the first plate and the first electrode; wherein the method comprises the steps A) providing a base which comprises only a part of the structural components, in particular the first plate and / or the first gas diffusion layer; and B) building the assembly, wherein the building comprises adding the remaining building components; or the steps: a) providing a base different from the building components; and b) building the assembly, wherein the building comprises adding the building components; wherein a border is formed by applying one or more layers of molding material (70-72) to the provided base; and a strength of this molding material increases after this application.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that - at least one layer of the molding material, which forms the enclosure or at least a peripheral section of the enclosure, is applied before step B) or b); and / or the applied molding material at least in the finished assembly - connects at least two of the structural components; and / or electrically insulates the first plate and proton exchange membrane from each other; and / or forms a peripheral seal of a reaction space between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane; and / or - at least in the finished assembly, the first gas diffusion layer and / or the first electrode and / or proton exchange membrane is enclosed by the enclosure; and / or the molding material is applied to the base at most up to an outer edge of the first plate; and / or the first plate has at least one transition region (12.1, 12.2) with electrode-side openings for the fluid, which is at least partially overlapped by the applied molding material and / or at least partially by the first gas diffusion layer; and / or the first plate has at least one through-opening for the fluid and / or at least one through-opening for another fluid, which is encompassed by the applied molding material; and / or the first gas diffusion layer arranged on the first plate is at least temporarily fixed to the first plate during the application of the molding material; and / or - at least one layer of the molding material is applied before the first gas diffusion layer and the first plate are arranged against one another; and / or the first plate and / or the applied molding material has at least one elevation (10.T, 72.1) at a contact point between the first plate and the molding material, at least before contact between the first plate and the molding material.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the addition of the first electrode comprises applying electrode material to the first gas diffusion layer and a strength of this electrode material increases after this application.

4. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrode material for adding the first electrode is applied within the at least partially formed enclosure and / or the first electrode adheres to the enclosure and / or the first gas diffusion layer.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the addition of the proton exchange membrane comprises applying membrane material (40) to the first electrode and a strength of this membrane material increases after this application.

6. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the membrane material for adding the proton exchange membrane is applied within the at least partially formed enclosure and / or the membrane material adheres to the enclosure and / or the first electrode; and / or the addition of the proton exchange membrane introducing at least one reinforcement layer into the applied membrane material; and / or placing or forming a reinforcement layer (41) on at least one layer of the applied membrane material.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that adding the proton exchange membrane comprises placing a prefabricated proton exchange membrane on the added first electrode.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that adding the first electrode and proton exchange membrane comprises placing a prefabricated coated membrane comprising the proton exchange membrane coated with the first electrode on the first gas diffusion layer.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with or after the addition of the proton exchange membrane, a second electrode (32) is added such that the proton exchange membrane is arranged between the first and second electrodes.

10. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that with or after the addition of the second electrode, a second gas diffusion layer (22) is added such that the second electrode is arranged between the proton exchange membrane and the second gas diffusion layer; and / or - at least in the finished assembly, the second electrode is enclosed by the enclosure; and / or the addition of the second electrode after the addition of the proton exchange membrane comprises applying electrode material to the added proton exchange membrane and a strength of this electrode material increases after this application.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrode material for adding the second electrode is applied within the at least partially formed enclosure and / or the second electrode adheres to the enclosure and / or the proton exchange membrane; and / or - at least in the finished assembly the second gas diffusion layer is enclosed by the enclosure.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims 10-11, characterized in that with or after the addition of the second gas diffusion layer, a second plate (10') is added such that the second gas diffusion layer is arranged between the second electrode and the second plate.

13. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: the applied molding material connects the first and second plates at least in the finished assembly; and / or electrically insulates the second plate and the proton exchange membrane from one another and / or electrically insulates the first and second plates from one another; and / or forms a peripheral seal of a reaction space between the second plate and the proton exchange membrane; and / or the second plate is the first plate of a further assembly which has been produced according to a method according to one of the preceding claims; or is produced according to a method according to one of the preceding claims; or is connected to a first plate of a further assembly which has been produced according to a method according to one of the preceding claims; or is produced according to a method according to one of the preceding claims; or is adapted to do so;and / or the second plate and / or the applied molding material has at least one elevation (10.T, 72.1) at a contact point between the second plate and the molding material at least before contact between the second plate and the molding material; 14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plate has an insulating coating (14) produced beforehand or during the method; and / or - at least one layer of at least one of the materials is applied by means of at least one outlet opening (114.1, 131.1, 132.1, 140.1, 170.1, 172.1) and / or a printing process and / or solidified thermally and / or by irradiation; and / or before adding at least one of the components mentioned in the claims, in particular at least one of the structural components mentioned in the claims, to the assembly, at least one layer of the molding material, which forms the enclosure or at least a circumferential section of the enclosure, is applied and this component is arranged within the at least partially formed enclosure;and / or after adding at least one of the components mentioned in the claims, in particular at least one of the structural components mentioned in the claims, to the assembly, at least one layer of the molding material, which forms the border or at least a circumferential section of the border, is applied in such a way that this component is bordered by the at least partially formed border; and / or applying molding material to the base comprises applying a layer of a first molding material to the base and applying at least one additional layer, which forms a circumferential section of the border, made of the first molding material; and / or applying at least one additional layer, which forms a circumferential section of the border, made of a second molding material;and / or applying at least one additional layer, which has a different geometry than the one layer, from the first or a second molding material; 15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base is provided on one or at least partially by one of several individual carriers (100) of a conveyor system and this carrier is transported to an application device by which at least in step b) the assembly components or in step B) the remaining assembly components are added.

16. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the carriers are individually movable; and / or the carrier is transported from one station to another station of at least one pair of stations of the application device and / or is discharged from a section of the conveyor system depending on a message; and / or the application device is modified after production of the assembly by replacing at least one station of the application device with another station and at least one further assembly is produced by this modified application device according to a method according to the preceding claim.

17. An electrochemical cell, in particular a fuel cell or electrolysis cell, the electrochemical cell comprising: a first plate (10) for the supply and / or removal of fluid; a second plate (10') for the supply and / or removal of fluid; a membrane-electrode assembly arranged between the first and second plates, comprising a first electrode (31) facing the first plate; a second electrode (32) facing the second plate; and a proton exchange membrane (42) arranged between the first and second electrodes; a first gas diffusion layer (21) arranged between the first plate and the first electrode; and a second gas diffusion layer (22) arranged between the second electrode and the second plate.wherein an assembly of the electrochemical cell, which has at least the first plate, first gas diffusion layer, first electrode and proton exchange membrane, is produced according to a method according to one of the preceding claims and / or a molding material (70-72) adhering to the first plate, which forms a peripheral seal of a reaction space between the first plate and the proton exchange membrane and / or electrically insulates them from one another, at least partially overlaps a transition region of the first plate with electrode-side openings for fluid to be supplied and / or discharged and / or encompasses at least one through-opening of the first plate for fluid and / or is applied at most up to an outer edge of the first plate.; 18. Cell stack with at least two electrochemical cells according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second plate (10') of one of the electrochemical cells is identical or connected to the first plate of an adjacent electrochemical cell.

19. Plant for producing at least one assembly for an electrochemical cell, in particular a cell stack, according to one of the preceding claims, which has an application device (2000) for adding at least the assembly components in step b) or the remaining assembly components in step B).

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