Membrane electrode assembly that reduces contact surface resistance and brings together gas distribution layer and flow channels and the production method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for use in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems, which has anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode layers that are nested with the membrane while the membrane is in a fluid form during production or after production, minimises the contact surface resistance between the surfaces, does not require creating mechanical pressure on the surfaces of the layers, and brings together the electrode, gas distribution layer and flow channels, and the production method thereof.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY THAT REDUCES CONTACT SURFACE RESISTANCE AND BRINGS TOGETHER GAS DISTRIBUTION LAYER AND FLOW CHANNELS AND THE PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF

[0003] Technical Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for use in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems, which has anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode layers that are nested with the membrane while the membrane is in a fluid form during production or after production, minimises the contact surface resistance between the surfaces, does not require creating mechanical pressure on the surfaces of the layers, and brings together the electrode, gas distribution layer and flow channels, and the production method thereof.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are structures that combine electrodes and an ion-conducting membrane, typically used in fuel cells and electrochemical energy conversion systems. These assemblies play a critical role in converting chemical energy directly into electrical energy. The electrodes are porous structures that allow fuel and air to diffuse into the electrolyte and for electrochemical reaction products on the anode / cathode side to move away from the electrolyte. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, also called proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, provide high power density and offer the advantages of low weight and volume compared to other fuel cells. PEM fuel cells use porous carbon electrodes with a solid polymer and a platinum or platinum alloy catalyst as the electrolyte. They typically require hydrogen, oxygen, and water to operate. However, they require the use of a noble metal catalyst (typically platinum) to separate the electrons and protons from the hydrogen, which increases system cost. Increasing the efficiency of fuel cells depends on factors such as increasing the contact surfaces of gaseous fuel, electrode and electrolyte, decreasing the contact surface resistance, finding a more suitable electrolyte, using a catalyst on the electrode or together with the electrodes, increasing the fuel / oxidiser feed pressure and the temperature inside the fuel cell, and providing the appropriate fuel. The use of metal open cell foam materials, which stand out with their lightnessand functionality, in fuel cells has attracted attention in recent years. In all of the studies focusing on the use of open cell foam in fuel cells in the state of the art, it is seen that commercial metal open cell foams produced from elements such as nickel, titanium, copper and aluminium are used as anode materials. In the state of the art, researchers have used commercially available metal open cell foams only as flow distributors or used them as gas diffusion layers and integrated them with different electrocatalysts such as Au and Pd and tested them as anode and cathode components of fuel cells using sodium borohydride, ethanol and different fuels. In the state of the art, metal open cell foam materials are used as gas diffusion layers, while in addition, bipolar plates are used for flow distributors. In the state of the art, metal open cell foams are used as fuel cell components because they increase reaction efficiency and improve both heat dissipation and fuel distribution.

[0007] In fuel cells, the effective contact of the surfaces of the materials with each other plays a critical role in terms of the efficiency and performance of the battery. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that directly convert chemical energy into electrical energy, and the surface contact of the materials with each other is very important in this process. In fuel cells, the quality of the surface contact between the anode and cathode electrodes and the membrane, which is the material that conducts the ions, affects the energy conversion efficiency. Good surface contact allows the electric current to flow freely and electrochemical reactions to occur effectively. Surface contact problems can lead to increased resistance and loss of efficiency. This resistance is called “contact resistance”. In fuel cells, reactants and oxidants such as hydrogen (alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, etc. as liquid fuels) and oxygen or hydrogen peroxide as liquid oxidant must react effectively on the electrode surfaces. The smoothness of the material surfaces and the maximum contact allows these chemical reactions to occur completely, effectively and quickly. Any irregularity, lack of contact or contamination on the surfaces of the materials forming the layers can cause the reactions to slow down or decrease efficiency. In addition, good thermal conductivity helps the system manage its heat properly and prevents overheating. Otherwise, overheating can degrade performance and shorten battery life. In addition, the quality of the surface contact and the strength of the electrical connections also affect performance. A good electrical connection provides low resistance and reliable electrical flow. Contact problems can lead to voltage drops and energy loss. For these reasons, optimising thematerial surface contact in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems improves the overall performance and life of the system.

[0008] The cost of catalysts for fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems usually constitutes a significant portion of the total cost. The main reason for this is that the catalysts used are precious metals such as platinum, palladium or gold and semi-precious metals such as ruthenium. Special coating techniques and nanotechnology methods used to increase the efficiency of catalysts can increase production costs. The assembly of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems is a process that involves various steps and points to be considered. Fuel cell assembly requires high precision. Incorrectly placed components can cause performance problems and failures. In assembly processes that are performed by compression during assembly, failure to provide the correct contact angle and problems experienced during compression can lead to problems in the efficiency and continuity of the cell. The interface contact surface resistance in fuel cells is one of the main challenges to be overcome in the commercialisation of fuel cells. There are various compression techniques suggested on the contact surface pressure created by the compression pressure and its effect on the contact surface. Due to the contact surface problem, fuel cells cannot go beyond a certain geometric area and shape. When traditional MEAs are produced, they are combined with compression or hot-press methods. It is almost impossible to do this as a single integrated structure in square meters. If it is done as a preference, production and material costs can increase significantly. For this reason, such a production with a large surface can only be produced in pieces with traditional production methods. In the traditional technique, layers need to be compressed in order to reduce the size of fuel cells. In this case, it becomes both difficult and uneconomical for fuel cells to go below a certain size.

[0009] In fuel cells, bipolar plates such as graphite and thin sensitive flow channels opened on these plates and a gas diffusion layer are generally required to ensure the proper distribution of fuel between the layers. However, the time spent on opening thin flow channels on these materials increases production costs and production times. Fuel cells consist of many layers such as end plate, terminal plate, bipolar plate, gas diffusion layer, anode membrane. The large number of these layers makes productionmore complicated and increases production costs. In addition, there are many auxiliary subsystems such as pumps, flow control valves, condensers, heaters, humidifiers in fuel cells and similar electrochemical cells. The presence of these systems both increases the weight of the electrochemical system and creates additional costs.

[0010] In the state of the art, the patent document numbered US2007212594A1 describes a membrane electrode assembly in which a nickel open cell foam is placed as a separate current collector on the back of each electrode, and the Pt-Ru catalyst is distributed on the carbon. The production method of the electrode catalyst in said document is more convenient and less costly than an existing production method and is suitable for mass production. This document describes a fuel cell using a gas diffusion cathode. In said document, the open cell foam material is used as a flow distributor, but these two structures are not formed into a single whole by using a catalyst layer in front of it. In addition, here, it still needs to be mechanically compressed between the membrane and the layer.

[0011] In state of the art, another patent document numbered WO2023113337A1 describes a method for the electrolysis of ballast water, which is seawater filled into the ship for the safe and efficient operation of the ship. In this document, the electrode developed for ballast water electrolysis is coated with a layer of Pt, Ru and Ti catalysts on a metal mesh, metal open cell foam and / or metal sheet. In this document, nickel open cell foam support material is used, and coating is done with Pt-Ru catalysts. Here, open cell foam material / metal mesh is used as flow distributor. The catalyst coating is used for separation of ballast water.

[0012] The limitations and inadequacies of the solutions in the state of the art, the use of high-cost materials in the field of fuel cell, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production and the inadequacy of alternative materials in terms of durability, the increase in electrical resistance and the decrease in energy efficiency due to the contact surface resistance between the electrode, membrane and other components, the decrease in fuel cell performance due to alignment and compression problems that may occur during assembly, the increase in fuel purity requirements due to the negative effects on catalyst performance in fuel cells, and the fact that traditional MEAproduction methods do not allow single-piece, very large-sized or very small-sized production, have made it necessary to make a development in this field.

[0013] Brief Description and Aims of the Invention

[0014] The invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for use in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems, which has anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode layers that are nested with the membrane while the membrane is in a fluid form during production or after production, minimises the contact surface resistance between the surfaces, does not require creating mechanical pressure on the surfaces of the layers, and brings together the electrode, gas distribution layer and flow channels, and the production method thereof.

[0015] One of the aims of the invention is to reduce the contact surface resistance in the membrane electrode assembly. The invention eliminates the need to apply physical force to the interlayer surfaces needed to reduce the contact surface resistance. One of the most important technical features of the invention is that the two electrodes are nested with the membrane and made into a single piece, which is different from traditional MEA production. The invention minimises the contact surface resistance formed between the layers in traditional MEAs produced by combining with compression or hot-press, without the need for any physical or mechanical pressure.

[0016] Another aim of the invention is to reduce the main components used in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems. For this reason, the electrode, flow channels and gas diffusion layer are made into a single component in the invention. Therefore, the main components used are reduced.

[0017] One of the aims of the invention is to reduce both production costs and production complexity in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems. In the invention, an MEA is obtained with an anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode structure, where the contact surface resistance is minimised, and where the two electrodes, anode and cathode, are nested and combined with the membrane while the membrane is in a fluid form during or after production. Thus, fuel cells are produced with a total of three main components in electrolysers andmembrane cell electrochemical production systems, and production / assembly complexity is also reduced, reducing production costs.

[0018] Another aim of the invention is to develop a lighter membrane electrode assembly for use in fuel cell, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems. Since the electrode, flow channels and gas diffusion layer are made into a single component containing a high amount of gaps in said membrane electrode assembly, the system is lightweight. In addition, it eliminates the need for flow channels and the use of bipolar graphite plates accordingly. Also, since the need for a separate plate for the gas distribution layer in the membrane electrode assembly of the invention is eliminated, additional lightness is also provided. In the membrane electrode assembly of the invention, the electrode, flow channels and gas diffusion layer are brought together in a single piece and a three-dimensional porous structure is used where all three can function together.

[0019] Another aim of the invention is to reduce the response time in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems. In the invention, the response time of the system can be reduced to less than five seconds during the conditioning of fuel cells, initial start-up after conditioning, restarting after waiting for a long time without operation or sudden electrical load changes.

[0020] Another aim of the invention is to develop a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that brings together the electrode, gas diffusion layer and flow channels in a single structure. By means of the anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode structure nested in the membrane electrode assembly of the invention, the functions of the gas diffusion layer and flow channels are fulfilled in the integrated structure in the MEA. The anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode structure mentioned in the invention can fulfil functions such as distributing reactive gases to the electrodes and catalyst layer, removing reaction products such as water and heat, providing electrical conductivity, transferring electric current to the collector, providing mechanical support and durability without the need for a separate gas diffusion layer. It can also fulfil the functions of flow channels such as flow distribution and electrical conduction of the fuel.Another aim of the invention is to eliminate the need for the use of pumps or compressors that provide inputs and outputs such as air, water, fuel or oxidiser required for the anode electrode and cathode electrode in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems. The electrode structures used in the invention create a volume that allows air, water, fuel or oxidiser to be present inside the cell both as a flow distributor and passively by means of the cavities they contain. By means of the three-dimensional volume created by these porous structures, air, water, fuel or oxidiser can passively enter fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems from outside.

[0021] Another aim of the invention is to enable the production of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems in different geometries. In the invention, it is possible to shape them in different geometries during the production phase with the minimisation of the contact surface resistance between the layers and the flexibility of the materials other than ceramic, silica aerogel and fibreglass used in the formation of MEA, without the need for any mechanical pressure, and the anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode assembly can be combined with different geometries. With the invention, fuel cells can be produced using cylindrical curvilinear geometries or wavy curvilinear forms, cylindrical roll forms and similar curvilinear geometries.

[0022] Another aim of the invention is to extend the life of membranes used in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems. In the invention, unlike traditional MEA production, the mechanical load on the membrane originating from MEA, which does not require any mechanical pressure, has been reduced. For this reason, the life of the membranes used in the MEAs that are the subject of the invention is longer compared to their use in traditional MEA production methods.

[0023] Another aim of the invention is to enable the production of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems in a flexible form. In the invention, with the minimisation of the contact surface resistance between the layers without the need for any mechanical pressure and the flexibility of other materials used in theformation of MEA, except for ceramic, silica aerogel and fibreglass, the anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode assembly can be produced in a flexible structure.

[0024] Another aim of the invention is to enable the production of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems in very large widths horizontally or very small widths horizontally. In the invention, with the minimisation of the contact surface resistance between the layers without the need for any mechanical pressure, the anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode assembly can be produced economically and lightly in very large widths horizontally or very small widths horizontally.

[0025] Description of Drawings

[0026] Figure 1. View of the membrane electrode assembly when the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are metal open cell foam

[0027] Figure 2. Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) view

[0028] Figure 3. Stack structure created by combining MEAs

[0029] Figure 4. Stack structure created by combining MEAs horizontally; 4.1) Front view, 4.2) Top side view

[0030] Figure 5. Stack structure formed by vertically combining MEAs formed from open cell porous electrodes; 5.1) Stack structure combination of open cell porous electrodes, fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems with impermeable / low permeable conductive material inside the materials, 5.2) Stack structure in which open cell porous electrodes, fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems are brought together with impermeable / low permeable insulating or conductive material inside the materials.

[0031] Figure 6. Stack structure formed by vertically combining MEAs containing polymer open cell foams; 6.1) Polymer open cell porous structure contained in the stack structure 6.2) Stack structure in which MEA containing polymer open cell foams is combined with conductive, fuel and oxidant impermeable / low permeable materialFigure 7. Monolithic stack structure formed by vertically joining MEAs formed from polymer open cell foams; 7.1) Polymer open cell porous structure forming the monolithic stack structure, 7.2) Monolithic stack structure

[0032] Figure 8. Current-voltage-power graph (l-V-P curve)

[0033] Descriptions of Reference Numerals in Drawings

[0034] 1. Anode electrode

[0035] 2. Cathode electrode

[0036] 3. Membrane

[0037] 4. Electrically insulating material that prevents the passage of fuel and oxidiser or makes fuel and oxygen less permeable

[0038] 5. Electrically conductive material that prevents the passage of fuel and oxidiser or makes fuel and oxygen less permeable

[0039] 6. The insulating part of a polymer three-dimensional open cell foam that is not coated with metal and / or catalyst

[0040] 7. Conductive part of polymer three-dimensional open cell foam coated with metal and / or catalyst

[0041] 8. Anode conductive closed container

[0042] 9. Cathode conductive closed container

[0043] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0044] The invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for use in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems, which has anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode layers that are nested with the membrane while the membrane is in a fluid form during production or after production, minimises the contact surface resistance between the surfaces, does not require creating mechanical pressure on the surfaces of the layers, and brings together the electrode, gas distribution layer and flow channels, and the production method thereof.

[0045] A membrane electrode assembly for use in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems, which is the subject of the invention and which has nested anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode layers, minimises thecontact surface resistance, and brings together the electrode, gas diffusion layer and flow channels in a single structure, comprises:

[0046] - anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) which are joined together while the membrane (3) is in a fluid form during or after production, acting as a support material, flow channel and flow distributor, and

[0047] - a membrane (3) positioned nested with the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2).

[0048] The membrane mentioned in the invention is in ionomer form. Here, the term ionomer refers to the liquefied form of the membrane. Therefore, in said MEA, membrane fluids or fluids that will dry during the production phase can be used as the membrane. In addition, in the membrane electrode assembly, the membrane can also take a fluid form after it is produced. Said membrane electrode assembly includes any liquid or a liquid in ionomer form that is used in the membrane function and takes a fluid form during or after the membrane is produced.

[0049] In one embodiment of the invention, said anode electrode (1) is hybrid structures consisting of one or more of the material types nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel or metal or metal-coated materials, polymer, ceramic, aerogel, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, fibreglass, 3D open cell structure materials with 50-99.9% porosity, 3D stochastic open cell material, 3D amorphous porous material, 3D triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structure porous material, three-dimensional lattice rod porous material, three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional porous materials with 50-99.9% porosity, three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of polygonal hollow structures (polygon hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of circular hollow structures (circular hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped porous material, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing thin flat plates on top of each other, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing two-dimensional lattice structures on top of each other, or a three-dimensional open-cell foam material with 50-99.9% porosity or a combination of at least two.In one embodiment of the invention, the anode electrode (1) has a hollow, three-dimensional structure that does not hinder the circulation of fuel and oxidant. The three-dimensional structure mentioned here refers to a structure with a depth of more than 50 microns and with enough physical space to penetrate the membrane while in fluid form.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, said cathode electrode (2) is hybrid structures consisting of one or more of the material types nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel or metal or metal-coated materials, polymer, ceramic, aerogel, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, fibreglass, 3D open cell structure materials with 50-99.9% porosity, 3D stochastic open cell material, 3D amorphous porous material, 3D triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structure porous material, three-dimensional lattice rod porous material, three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional porous materials with 50-99.9% porosity, three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of polygonal hollow structures (polygon hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of circular hollow structures (circular hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped porous material, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing thin flat plates on top of each other, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing two-dimensional lattice structures on top of each other, or a three-dimensional open-cell foam material with 50-99.9% porosity or a combination of at least two.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, the cathode electrode (2) has a hollow, three-dimensional structure that does not hinder the circulation of fuel and oxidant. The three-dimensional structure mentioned here refers to a structure with a depth of more than 50 microns and with enough physical space to penetrate the membrane while in fluid form.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the membrane electrode assembly comprises an anode electrode (1) coated with metal and / or catalyst on its surface and a cathode electrode (2) coated with metal and / or catalyst on its surface.In one embodiment of the invention, said anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are three-dimensional open-cell materials with 50%-99.9% porosity, open-cell polymer material, open-cell aerogel material, open-cell carbon material or open-cell ceramic materials, a combination of several or hybrid structures consisting of at least two. The surface of these open-cell materials can be coated with conductive material and serve as an electrode, as a support material, as the surface on which the Pt-Ru catalyst is coated, as a flow channel and as a flow distributor.

[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, said anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are three-dimensional open-cell nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel or metal materials with 50%-99.9 porosity. These metal open-cell materials serve as electrodes, support materials, the surface on which the Pt-Ru catalyst is coated, and as flow channels and flow distributors.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, open-cell materials are used as anode electrodes (1 ) and cathode electrodes (2). In this embodiment of the invention, there are technical advantages of using open-cell materials as anode electrodes (1) and cathode electrodes (2). In this embodiment of the invention, since it is possible to pass in every direction within the material, it allows materials and / or membranes that are impermeable or less permeable to the substances inside the electrodes to penetrate into the electrodes in a fluid state, especially when forming layered stack structures. Thus, layered stack structures can be formed. Another technical advantage provided in the case where open cell materials are used as anode electrodes (1) and cathode electrodes (2) in the membrane electrode assembly that is the subject of the invention is that the substances in the electrodes can move freely. In addition, when open cell materials are used as anode electrodes (1) and cathode electrodes (2) in the membrane electrode assembly, a more robust physical integrity is created in the case of nesting with the membrane. In addition, since open cell materials have a more flexible structure compared to other material alternatives, MEAs produced with this material are more flexible and less brittle. In addition, open cell materials can be included as supporting materials in MEAs containing insulating open cell materials. In addition, when considered in terms of production, during the production of the MEA, it is possible to physically access the open cell materials from all directions while the membrane is in liquid form, therefore the use of open cell materials facilitates theproduction of the MEA. At the same time, due to the high gap structures of open cell materials up to 99.9%, lightness is provided in the membrane electrode assembly. In this high gap structure, the fact that the amount of material that the electrodes can contain is higher, provides technical superiority compared to other materials, especially when the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are open cell materials.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, especially open cell foam materials are used as anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2). In this embodiment of the invention, there are economic advantages of using especially open cell foam materials as anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2). Open cell foam materials are the materials with the lowest mass production costs among porous three-dimensional open cell materials. In this way, it helps to reduce costs when used in MEA production.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the catalyst is a catalytic effective transition metal in the form of a coating solution to serve as the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) catalyst.

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the catalyst is one or more of palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru) or gold (Au) catalysts.

[0058] In another embodiment of the invention, the catalyst is a platinum-ruthenium (Pt-Ru) catalyst.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the Pt-Ru catalyst is in the form of a 4 gr / L coating solution. In the invention, Pt-Ru particles and metal or metal-coated open-cell material were brought together by electrochemical deposition method.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, said membrane electrode assembly comprises, as a support material and as a flow distributor, the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) whose surfaces are coated with platinum-ruthenium (Pt-Ru) catalyst, where both electrodes are nested and combined while the membrane (3) is in a fluid form during production or after production, and a membrane (3) positioned nested with the anode electrode (1 ) and cathode electrode (2). In said assembly, with this structure of the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) coated with platinum-ruthenium(Pt-Ru) catalyst, which nests with the membrane, the contact surface resistance in the final product is reduced, and technical advantages are provided by eliminating the need to create mechanical pressure on the surfaces of the layers.

[0061] In another embodiment of the invention, when open-cell polymer material is used, the anode electrode (1 ) and cathode electrode (2) are coated with metal and / or catalyst by the electrodeless coating method.

[0062] In another embodiment of the invention, when open-cell ceramic material is used, the anode electrode (1 ) and cathode electrode (2) are coated with metal and / or catalyst by electroplating, physical vapour deposition or chemical vapour deposition method.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are three-dimensional porous open cell materials whose surfaces can be coated with metal and / or catalyst.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are open-cell titanium, copper, aluminium, magnesium, steel or nickel foam. In the case where open-cell metal foam is used in the membrane electrode assembly of the invention, no other flow-distributing material is required. Coating the catalyst on opencell metal foam or porous metal-coated materials ensures high efficiency operation of the fuel cell.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, the membrane electrode assembly brings together the electrode, gas distribution layer and flow channels by means of its open cell porous and conductive structure. The flow channels mentioned here also mean the fuel channel.

[0066] In the MEA of the invention, the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) are formed into a single integrated piece while the membrane is in fluid form during or after production, and this is different from traditional MEA production.

[0067] In the invention, a structure (MEA) is obtained in which the two electrodes are combined by being nested with the membrane while the membrane is in fluid formduring or after production. The production cost of the membrane electrode assembly developed for fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems in the invention is reduced, the production of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems is simplified, the time spent for the conditioning phase of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems is reduced, and the response time of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems is also minimised. By means of said membrane electrode assembly, the weight of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems is reduced, and fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems are enabled to be produced in different geometries, such as curved or linear, and / or to be flexible. In said membrane electrode assembly, the amount of catalyst used can be determined at the desired level by selecting the coating method. In other words, the catalyst coating thickness can be adjusted to the desired amount and close to each other everywhere on the surfaces inside the open cell. Although the most efficient and economical method, electrochemical deposition (electrodeposition), is preferred in the invention, different coating methods can also be used.

[0068] In one embodiment of the invention, the metal and / or catalyst coating method of the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) surface is electroplating, electrodeposition, atomic layer deposition (ALD), physical vapour deposition (PVD), chemical vapour deposition (CVD), thermal spray coating, hot-dip galvanizing, anodic oxidation (anodizing), electrophoresis (e-coating), painting / powder coating, vacuum vapour coating (vacuum metallization), vacuum infiltration (metal impregnation), plasma spray coating or sol-gel coating, electroless plating.

[0069] The anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) mentioned in the invention are brought together with the membrane (3) to form an nested structure. One of the most important technical features of the membrane electrode assembly, which is the subject of the invention, is that the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are formed by penetrating into the porous structures and nesting them while the membrane is in a fluid form during or after production, in order to minimise the contact surface resistance, and thus the MEA assembly is formed.The anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) mentioned in the invention are obtained by penetrating the ionomer during membrane production or the fluid form of the membrane after production into the porous material used for the electrodes, thus obtaining the anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode structure. The anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) used in this structure are expressed as the foam-membrane-foam trio in the case where the three-dimensional open-cell material is foam. The fluid ionomer penetrates into the open-cell foams, dries between the two foams and a portion of it inside the open-cell foams, and the foam-membrane-foam trio becomes a solid whole material. In one embodiment of the invention, if the open-cell foam material is insulating, the ionomer is dried in the insulating middle section of a single foam, not between two foams, so that it will overflow to the conductive sections by a maximum of 175 microns.

[0070] In the invention, the electrode, flow channels and gas diffusion layer in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems are brought together in a single piece and a three-dimensional porous structure is created in which all three can function together. By means of the coating of this porous structure with catalyst, catalyst is effectively used in every area of the three-dimensional porous structure, both inside and outside. In this way, both the production costs of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems are reduced and the production complexity is reduced. One of the most important technical advantages provided by the invention is the reduction of contact surface resistance without the need for mechanical pressure. In the invention, the combination of two open cell porous structures or foams during membrane production or after production while in a fluid form and turning them into a single nesting piece is different from traditional MEA production and minimises the contact surface resistance formed in MEAs obtained by combining them with compression or hot-press without applying any mechanical force. By means of this membrane electrode assembly, which is the subject of the invention, the complexity of production and assembly applied to the traditional layered MEA structure is also ended. The place where the contact surface resistance is highest is these two electrodes where ion transfer takes place and the membrane surface between them. In the traditional MEA production method, efficiency decreases because the layers cannot be compressed or pressed sufficiently. If the layers are compressed / pressed too much, crushing or tearing may occur. Said MEA, which is thesubject of the invention, prevents these problems and offers a production method that poses less risk in the production stages. In addition, the MEA structure obtained with said method offers an integrated simple structure instead of electrodes, gas diffusion layers and flow channels. This both facilitates production and reduces costs.

[0071] In one embodiment of the invention, said anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are combined in pairs during the membrane production or at a stage when it is in fluid form after production, and are turned into a single piece.

[0072] In another embodiment of the invention, by applying, pouring or spraying the fluid ionomer onto the dry membrane, the porous structures nest with the ionomer and penetrate into the ionomer. In this embodiment, the pouring process on said dry membrane is carried out by pouring the fluid ionomer by keeping the edges of the membrane closed, preventing fluid passage from the membrane edges.

[0073] In the fuel cell formed with the MEA that is the subject of the invention, if it is desired to use mechanical pressure to prevent the fuel on the anode side or the oxidiser on the cathode side from passing to the other side except for the active area on the membrane, this pressure is only needed on the outer frame surrounding the MEA. There is no need to create this pressure on every mm2of the surfaces between the layers of the fuel cell. Another way that the invention can be used to prevent the fuel on the anode side or the oxidiser on the cathode side from passing to the other side except for the active area on the membrane is gas or liquid sealing applications according to the state form of the fuel and oxidiser. The invention can also reduce the response time of the fuel cell to less than five seconds. The response time is minimised in situations such as conditioning of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems, during initial operation, during electrical load changes and after being inactive for a long time, etc.

[0074] The production method of the membrane electrode assembly, which is the subject of the invention, comprises the process steps of;

[0075] i. pouring the ionomer into a mould larger than the anode electrode (1) while the membrane is in ionomer form during or after production,ii. immersing the anode electrode (1) in the middle of the ionomer spread in the mould while the ionomer in the mould is in the drying phase in a way that it will nest with the anode electrode (1) by a maximum of 175 microns after the ionomer has dried,

[0076] iii. leaving the ionomer to dry in order for it to integrate with the anode electrode (1),

[0077] iv. after the drying is completed, turning the nested semi-finished product containing the dried ionomer membrane and the anode electrode (1) upside down and placing the anode electrode (1) part inside the mould base and compressing the membrane remaining on the upper part of the semi-finished product from the ends and fixing it in the mould,

[0078] v. pouring ionomer onto the membrane and using a mould to prevent the ionomer from flowing down from the edges of the membrane on the upper surface of the semi-finished product or from spreading over the membrane to the porous three-dimensional structure underneath, and compressing the ends of the membrane and preventing the ionomer from flowing out of the desired area with physical barriers,

[0079] vi. immersing the cathode electrode (2) that is the same width and is vertically aligned with the anode electrode (1) below into the ionomer from the top after it has dried, in a way that it will form a maximum thickness of 175 microns inside the cathode electrode (2) and leaving it to dry, and

[0080] vii. obtaining the anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode structure, which is nested and in which the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) do not come into contact with each other, as an integrated and single structure MEA after drying.

[0081] In one embodiment of the production method of the membrane electrode assembly which is the subject of the invention, said anode electrode (1) is hybrid structures consisting of one or more of the material types nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel or metal or metal-coated materials, polymer, ceramic, aerogel, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, fibreglass, 3D open cell structure materials with 50-99.9% porosity, 3D stochastic open cell material, 3D amorphous porous material, 3D triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structure porous material, three-dimensional lattice rod porous material, three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional porous materials with 50-99.9% porosity, three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of polygonal hollow structures (polygon hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of circular hollow structures (circular hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped porous material, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing thin flat plates on top of each other, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing two-dimensional lattice structures on top of each other, or a three-dimensional open-cell foam material with 50-99.9% porosity or a combination of at least two.

[0082] In one embodiment of the production method of the membrane electrode assembly, which is the subject of the invention, said anode electrode (1) has a hollow, three-dimensional structure that does not hinder the circulation of fuel and oxidant. The three-dimensional structure mentioned here refers to a structure with a depth of more than 50 microns and with enough physical space to penetrate the membrane while in fluid form.

[0083] In one embodiment of the production method of the membrane electrode assembly which is the subject of the invention, said cathode electrode (2) is hybrid structures consisting of one or more of the material types nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel or metal or metal-coated materials, polymer, ceramic, aerogel, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, fibreglass, 3D open cell structure materials with 50-99.9% porosity, 3D stochastic open cell material, 3D amorphous porous material, 3D triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structure porous material, three-dimensional lattice rod porous material, three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional porous materials with 50-99.9% porosity, three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of polygonal hollow structures (polygon hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of circular hollow structures (circular hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped porous material, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing thin flat plates on top of each other, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing two-dimensional lattice structures on top of each other, ora three-dimensional open-cell foam material with 50-99.9% porosity or a combination of at least two.

[0084] In one embodiment of the production method of the membrane electrode assembly which is the subject of the invention, the surface of the anode electrode (1 ) and cathode electrode (2) are coated with metal and / or catalyst.

[0085] In one embodiment of the method that is the subject of the invention, the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) contain three-dimensional porous materials with a thickness slightly greater than the thickness at which the ionomer will penetrate into the material. In one embodiment of the invention, the thickness of said anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) may vary between 50 microns and 10,000 microns.

[0086] In one embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) is at least 50 microns. There is no upper limit value for the thickness of the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2).

[0087] In one embodiment of the invention, when 100 microns of ionomer penetrate into the 1000-micron anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2), a gap of 900 microns remains inside the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2).

[0088] In another embodiment of the invention, when 100 microns of ionomer penetrate into the 1600-micron anode electrode (1 ) and cathode electrode (2), a gap of 1500 microns remains inside the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2).

[0089] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, the method of applying the ionomer on the membrane can be carried out by applying it with a brush or spray or by pouring it directly onto the membrane.

[0090] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, in the method of applying the ionomer on the membrane, a doctor blade is used when the ionomer is in gel form.In one embodiment of the method of the invention, in the case where the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are an insulating material, insulating ceramic, insulating polymer or insulating aerogel open cell material or fibreglass, the surface of the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) is coated with metal before the process step (i).

[0091] In one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the surface of the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) are coated with metal and / or catalyst.

[0092] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, said catalyst is a catalytic effective transition metal in the form of a coating solution to serve as the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) catalyst.

[0093] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, said catalyst is one or more of palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru) or gold (Au) catalysts.

[0094] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, said catalyst is a platinumruthenium (Pt-Ru) catalyst.

[0095] In one embodiment of the method of the invention, said catalyst is a Pt-Ru catalyst in the form of a 4 g / L coating solution. In the invention, Pt-Ru particles and metal or metal-coated open-cell material were brought together by electrochemical deposition method.

[0096] The view of the MEA structure, which is the subject of the invention, is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

[0097] In another embodiment of the invention, the layered production method of said membrane electrode assembly comprises the process steps of:

[0098] i. fixing the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) horizontally to the ground with the help of a mould, with a maximum gap of 300 microns between them,

[0099] ii. leaving a gap of maximum 175 microns from the surface of the anode electrode (1) or cathode electrode (2) close to the ground and adding a substance thatdoes not react with the membrane ionomer and the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) and helps to fill the gaps in liquid, powder or gel form and filling the gaps inside the electrode close to the ground,

[0100] iii. vibrating the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) with an ultrasonic bath and the gaps are completely filled to completely close the gaps, iv. creating a ground at a maximum distance of 175 microns from the surface of the first electrode close to the ground by solidifying the added liquid, powder or gel, either spontaneously or with the help of an active material, radiation or heat treatment,

[0101] v. applying the ionomer liquid in a way that it reaches the surface from the ground created on the upper part of the first electrode, which is close to the ground, and fills the gap between the two electrodes by penetrating into the other electrode located horizontally one above a maximum of 175 microns after drying, vi. the structure becoming solid by integrating as the excess solvent in the ionomer liquid leaking between the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) and into the electrodes evaporates and leaves the environment or dries, and vii. cleaning the solidified material forming the ground underneath from the dried structure using a solvent or by taking advantage of the difference in liquefaction and / or evaporation and obtaining the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) consisting of a membrane nested between two electrodes.

[0102] In one embodiment of this method, if the surfaces of the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) facing each other are insulated or coated with insulating material, the distance between the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) are closed and they are brought into physical contact with each other in step (i) of the production method.

[0103] In one embodiment of this method, when it is desired to create a stack structure with said membrane electrode assembly, in order not to disrupt the physical and chemical structure of the membrane while the material that prevents the passage of matter between the MEAs in the stack or is less permeable is applied to the stack in fluid form, the order of the process steps can be changed by pouring the intermediate materials in the entire stack first, then the membranes, without placing them inside the membrane electrodes before forming the MEAs. The intermediate materials mentionedhere are materials that prevent the passage of matter or are less permeable. The substance whose passage is prevented is the substances in the anode electrode and cathode electrode selected according to the purpose of use of the MEA.

[0104] In the invention, the nesting MEA structure has managed to minimise the contact surface resistance without the need for mechanical pressure. The current-voltage-power graph of the structure is shown in Figure 8. (I-V-P curve).

[0105] In one embodiment of the invention, after the membrane is obtained dry from the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) horizontally to a larger extent, the end parts of the membrane are compressed with the help of a mould and a physical barrier is placed on the end parts of the membrane to prevent the ionomer to be poured or applied later from exceeding the dried membrane borders. Then, the ionomer liquid that will form the membrane is applied to one side of the dried membrane with a brush, the anode electrode (1) is placed in the middle of the membrane and the ionomer is allowed to dry. Then, the anode electrode (l)-membrane duo, which becomes a whole, is placed in a mould and a flat surface is created on the anode electrode (1). The ionomer is applied to the membrane that creates the flat surface in the same way with a brush. While the ionomer maintains its fluidity, the cathode electrode (2) is also integrated with the membrane from the middle of the membrane and integrated. During the application of this method, the membrane is compressed from the ends with the help of moulds and physical barriers in order to prevent the ionomer from flowing out of the electrodes.

[0106] The advantage of said method is that hot-pressing or compression processes used for membrane assembly in traditional MEA production methods are not applied. In both of these traditional methods, it is possible to observe negative effects in the absence of correct and meticulous workmanship. By means of said method, contact between the electrode and the membrane has been provided without compression and the contact surface resistance has been reduced. One of the most important differences of the assembly that is the subject of the invention from the state of the art is that it can reduce the structure provided by the electrode, gas diffusion layer and bipolar flow distributor plates to a single piece. Another important difference of the invention from the state of the art is that the electrodes, gas diffusion layer and flow channels are reduced to asingle piece and as a result of the electrodes being nested with the membrane, a membrane electrode assembly is obtained that manages to minimise the contact surface resistance without the need for any mechanical pressure.

[0107] In one embodiment of the invention, said MEAs are combined back to back as at least two and a stack structure is formed. The visual of said stack structure is explained in Figure 3.

[0108] The method of obtaining the stack structure by combining the MEAs, which are the subject of the invention, comprises the process steps of:

[0109] i. closing the anode electrode (1 ) at the bottom of the first MEA with a conductive closed container in a way it will cover the part up to the membrane and contacting the anode electrode (1),

[0110] ii. closing the cathode electrode (2) of the second MEA with a second conductive closed container in a way it will cover the part up to the membrane and contacting the cathode electrode (1),

[0111] iii. gluing these two closed structures together, or joining them with physical pressure to provide sealing in a way that prevents material transfer between the anode electrode (1 ) and the cathode electrode, except for the active area on the membrane, and

[0112] iv. forming the stack structure by combining at least two closed containers on top of each other or side by side.

[0113] Another embodiment of the method of obtaining the stack structure by combining the MEAs, which are the subject of the invention, comprises the process steps of:

[0114] i. creating a stack structure by placing at least two anode electrodes (1) and cathode electrodes (2) horizontally on the same membrane,

[0115] ii. filling the spaces between the parts in the stack structure with interstitial materials that are impermeable or less permeable to the substances in the electrodes, and

[0116] iii. nesting the interstitial materials with the membrane by integrating the anode electrode and cathode electrode.In one embodiment of the method of obtaining the stack structure by combining the MEAs that are the subject of the invention, the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are placed horizontally on the membrane as shown in Figure 4. This structure divides the horizontal monolithic large areas created with the MEA into small pieces. In this way, the current and voltage can bring the maximum current and voltage of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems to the desired rate by correctly determining the areas of each horizontal piece and their connections to each other without the need for any additional electrical elements. In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 4., in the stack structure, the parts can be filled with materials that are impermeable or less permeable to the substances in the electrodes. These intermediate filling materials can be integrated with the anode electrode and cathode electrode and again, they can be nested with the membrane while the membrane is in the drying phase. In this way, the skeleton of the structure is supported and its mechanical strength is increased. With the current methods used in the state of the art, it is not economical to make an MEA as wide as desired as described in the assembly that is the subject of the invention, because in traditional production methods, mechanical pressure must be created at every point of the surfaces of the layers of fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems. Insufficient mechanical pressure prevents fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems from working or working efficiently. However, by means of the MEA that is the subject of the invention, fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems can be produced in large structures without the need for mechanical pressure in large areas. However, in this case, the current value of large-area fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems increases. For example, the current can reach 3000 Amperes per square meter, while the voltage remains at 0.5 Volts. If the desired value is 15 Volts and 100 Amperes, by dividing this MEA structure into 30 equal parts, 100 ampere 0.5 volt fuel cells are obtained on the same membrane surface. These cells are connected in series with the help of conductors and the desired 15 volt 100 ampere fuel cell is produced. In this way, a product that will provide the desired voltage and current can be created without the need for any special power electronic equipment. In other words, since it is difficult to deal with these high currents in large areas, it is possible to separate the anode electrode (1 ) and cathode electrode (2) area into parts on the same membrane surface,and the power electronic elements for the fuel cell can also be selected flexibly and may not even be needed depending on the application.

[0117] In one embodiment of the invention, the method of obtaining the stack structure by combining MEAs in the case where conductive three-dimensional porous materials are used in said stack structure, comprises the process steps of;

[0118] i. arranging the MEAs of the same size, containing the conductive anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2), from bottom to top, with the help of moulds, leaving some space between them,

[0119] ii. pouring a conductive material that does not or does not transmit the substances inside the electrodes and solidifying it in the space between the MEAs using the layered production method while in fluid form, in a way that it penetrates into the anode electrode (1 ) and cathode electrode (2), in order for the MEAs to transmit electric current from one layer below to the next, and

[0120] iii. transmitting electrical current from the lower MEA to the upper MEA without the need for any cables and connecting fuel cells in series.

[0121] As shown in Figure 5.1 , when conductive three-dimensional porous materials are used in the stack structure, the method transmits electric current from the lower MEA to the upper MEA without the need for any cables.

[0122] In one embodiment of the invention, the method of obtaining the stack structure by combining MEAs in the case where open cell materials are used as a conductive three-dimensional porous material in said stack structure, comprises the process steps of; i. arranging open cell materials in a large number of rows, one thin open cell material followed by an open cell material that is twice as thick, from bottom to top with a maximum gap of 300 microns between them,

[0123] ii. sequentially, first, solidifying the membrane between the thin open cell material and the thick open cell material in such a way that it nests with the conductive open cell materials, and then placing a material that is impermeable or slightly permeable to the substances inside the electrodes in the middle of the doublethick conductive open cell material with the layered production method and solidifying it inside the open cell material that it penetrates in a fluid state, andiii. applying the process to all conductive open cell materials in order from bottom to top, and ensuring that the electric current is transmitted from bottom to top and the MEAs are connected in series without the need for any additional cables.

[0124] In one embodiment of this method, the surfaces of the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) facing each other are coated with insulating material, and the distance between the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) is closed in the first (i) stage of the production method, and physical contact is ensured.

[0125] In the method of the invention, electrical insulating materials can also be used to prevent material transfer between the MEAs. This is shown in Figure 5.2. Considering the fluid form of the materials, MEAs can be produced first, then stacked on top of each other, and intermediate materials that do not or less permeate the substances inside the electrodes can be solidified later. Intermediate materials that do not or less permeate the substances inside these electrodes can be solidified between metal or metal-coated three-dimensional porous materials before or during the production of the MEAs. In this case, nesting the membranes with the anode electrode and the cathode electrode is the last stage.

[0126] In one embodiment of the invention, the method of obtaining the stack structure in the case where electrically insulating open cell porous structures, insulating polymeric, insulating ceramic or insulating aerogel open cell materials are used in said stack structure, comprises the process steps of:

[0127] i. coating polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials with metal and / or catalyst in horizontal strips at certain intervals,

[0128] ii. obtaining polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material formed in the form of metal and / or catalyst coated conductive strip, uncoated insulating strip and metal and / or catalyst coated conductive strip, respectively,

[0129] iii. then, after the material dries to a maximum of 175 microns on the uncoated insulating strip parts, drying the ionomer in such a way that it extends beyond the insulating strip from the top and bottom, and obtaining MEA on the ceramic or aerogel open cell material by horizontally nesting the membrane with the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material,iv. placing a conductive interstitial filling material, which is impermeable or slightly permeable to the substances in the electrodes, in the gaps between the obtained MEAs when they are stacked on top of each other, or while the interstitial filling material is in fluid form, pouring and solidifying the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials between two MEAs in a way that they do not fill the entire conductive strips without spilling out of the strip and are horizontally nested with the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials, and

[0130] v. obtaining a structure that connects MEAs in series without the need for cables.

[0131] In one embodiment of the invention, the method of obtaining the stack structure in the case where electrically insulating open cell porous structures, insulating polymeric, insulating ceramic or insulating aerogel open cell materials are used in said stack structure, comprises the process steps of:

[0132] i. extending, beginning from the bottom, the first electrically insulating strip part beyond the electrically insulating strip by a maximum of 175 microns from the top and bottom, using the layered production method, adding ionomer and drying it to ensure that it is nested with the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material,

[0133] ii. ensuring that the interstitial filling material, which is impermeable or less permeable to the substances inside the electrodes, is nested with the open-cell polymeric or ceramic material in a fluid state in the middle of the first electrically insulating horizontal strip and the second electrically insulating strip, again by using the layered production method, in a way that it does not cover the entire conductive strip area and does not extend beyond the strip, and solidifying it there and continuing this application until the end of the monolithic part, and iii. obtaining a structure that allows serial connection of MEAs from bottom to top without the need for cables.

[0134] In one embodiment of the invention, electrically insulating open cell porous structures, insulating polymeric, insulating ceramic or insulating aerogel open cell materials are used in said stack structure. These polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials are coated with metal and / or catalyst in horizontal strips at certain intervals. After this application, polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material formed in the form ofmetal and / or catalyst coated conductive strip, uncoated insulating strip and metal and / or catalyst coated conductive strip, respectively, are obtained. This is shown in Figure 6.1. Then, after the material dries to a maximum of 175 microns on the uncoated insulating strip parts, the membrane and the open cell polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material are nested horizontally by drying the ionomer inside, so that it extends beyond the insulating strip from the top and bottom. Thus, the MEA is formed on polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material. When the resulting MEAs are stacked on top of each other with intervals between them, a conductive intermediate filling material that does not or does not allow the substances in the electrodes to pass through is placed in the gaps between them. When the layered production method is used, this material that prevents permeability is in fluid form, and is poured and solidified between two MEAs in a way that does not fill the entire conductive strips of polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials without spilling out of the strip and nesting with the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials horizontally. In this way, a structure that connects MEAs in series is obtained without the need for a cable from bottom to top. This is shown in Figure 6.2. Another advantage of this structure is that polymeric or aerogel open cell materials, which are lighter and more flexible than open cell metal materials, or more durable ceramic open cell materials are used. In addition, if the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials are insulating, they also serve as support materials inside the membrane by means of their uncoated insulating parts. Considering the fluid form of the materials, MEAs can be produced first and then stacked on top of each other and then solidified with impermeable or low-permeable intermediate materials. The impermeable or low-permeable intermediate materials in these electrodes can be solidified between polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials before or during the production of MEAs. In this case, the nesting of the membranes with polymeric or ceramic open cell materials is the last stage.

[0135] In one embodiment of the invention, electrically insulating open cell porous structures, insulating polymeric, insulating ceramic or insulating aerogel open cell materials are used. These polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials are made suitable for use by coating metal and / or catalyst at certain intervals in horizontal strips. With this application, a monolithic structure is created in such a way that the pattern of metal and / or catalyst coated conductive strip, uncoated insulating strip and again metal and / or catalyst coated conductive strip continues, respectively. In this structure, thelower and upper parts coated with conductive metal and / or catalyst are half the thickness of the other parts coated with conductive metal and / or catalyst. The uncoated insulating parts are a maximum of 300 microns. This is shown in Figure 7.1. Then, using this monolithic material layered production method, starting from the bottom, the first electrically insulating strip part is placed inside the electrically insulating strip by using the layered production method in a way that it extends beyond the electrically insulating strip by a maximum of 175 microns from the top and bottom, and it is dried and nested with polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material. In the middle of this first electrically insulating horizontal strip and the second electrically insulating strip, the intermediate material that does not pass or does not pass the substances inside the electrodes is nested with the fluid open cell polymeric or ceramic material in a way that does not extend beyond the strip without covering the entire conductive strip area, again using the layered production method, and solidified there. This application is continued until the end of the monolithic part. In this way, a structure is obtained that allows the serial connection of MEAs without the need for a cable from bottom to top. This is shown in Figure 7.2. An advantage of this structure is that, compared to open cell metal materials, open cell polymeric and aerogel materials are lighter and / or more flexible, or open cell ceramic materials are more durable and / or lighter, and polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material serves as a support material inside the membrane. In addition, since it is a monolithic product, its mechanical strength is also better. Forming layered stack structures from monolithic open cell material, which is described as a log structure, is only possible with polymeric, ceramic and aerogel materials or electrically insulating hollow materials. The reason for this is that the material to be located inside the membrane is electrically insulating and the membrane located in the cavities of this material must provide ion conductivity. Considering the fluid form of the materials, the monolithic multi-MEA structure can be produced first, and then the impermeable or low-permeable intermediate materials between these MEAs can be solidified later. These impermeable or low permeable intermediate materials can also be solidified between polymeric or ceramic open cell materials before or during the production of MEAs. In this case, the nesting of membranes with polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials is the last stage. In the method of the invention, electrically insulating polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials are coated with metal and / or catalyst in horizontal strips at certain intervals in saidstack structure. In this application, MEAs are combined one under the other to form a vertical stack.

[0136] In one embodiment of the invention, when it is desired to create a system by adding the stack structures in Figure 4 formed horizontally with layers on top of each other vertically, it is possible to connect the MEAs in series on top of each other without the need for any cables and to adjust the electrical current and voltage values at the desired ranges by placing multiple small three-dimensional porous material pieces on top of each other horizontally as shown in Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7. If this solution is not applied, it is necessary to connect the structure divided into small pieces in the horizontal area and formed in layers on top of each other with a large number of cables or a difficult process such as creating these connections within each cell is required. The ability to add this horizontal structure on top of each other in this way eliminates the cabling problem in stack structures.

[0137] In one embodiment of the invention, in order to prevent the membrane from rupturing in said system, fuel is applied to one side of the membrane and oxidant to the other side with equal pressure. In the case where the selected fuel and oxidiser are liquids, these liquids are passively held with equal pressure on both sides of the membrane to prevent membrane rupture. In the case where the selected fuel and oxidiser are gases, the membrane in the MEA is connected to the fuel and oxidiser tanks with equal pressure on both sides to prevent membrane rupture, and the gases are passively held within the open porous structure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A membrane electrode assembly for use in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems that has nested anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode layers, minimises the contact surface resistance, and brings together the electrode, gas diffusion layer and flow channels in a single structure, comprising;- anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) which are joined together while the membrane (3) is in a fluid form during or after production, acting as a support material, flow channel and flow distributor, and- a membrane (3) positioned nested with the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2).

2. A membrane electrode assembly according to Claim 1, wherein said anode electrode (1) is hybrid structures consisting of one or more of the material types nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel or metal or metal-coated materials, polymer, ceramic, aerogel, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, fibreglass, 3D open cell structure materials with 50-99.9% porosity, 3D stochastic open cell material, 3D amorphous porous material, 3D triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structure porous material, three-dimensional lattice rod porous material, three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional porous materials with 50-99.9% porosity, three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of polygonal hollow structures (polygon hollow shape 3D structure), three- dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of circular hollow structures (circular hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped porous material, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing thin flat plates on top of each other, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing two-dimensional lattice structures on top of each other, or a three-dimensional open-cell foam material with 50-99.9% porosity or a combination of at least two.

3. A membrane electrode assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein said cathode electrode (2) is hybrid structures consisting of one or more of the material types nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel ormetal or metal-coated materials, polymer, ceramic, aerogel, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, fibreglass, 3D open cell structure materials with 50-99.9% porosity, 3D stochastic open cell material, 3D amorphous porous material, 3D triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structure porous material, three-dimensional lattice rod porous material, three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional porous materials with 50-99.9% porosity, three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of polygonal hollow structures (polygon hollow shape 3D structure), three- dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of circular hollow structures (circular hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped porous material, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing thin flat plates on top of each other, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing two-dimensional lattice structures on top of each other, or a three-dimensional open-cell foam material with 50-99.9% porosity or a combination of at least two.

4. A membrane electrode assembly according to Claim 1 , comprising an anode electrode (1) coated with metal and / or catalyst on its surface and a cathode electrode (2) coated with metal and / or catalyst on its surface.

5. A membrane electrode assembly according to Claim 4, wherein said catalyst is one or a combination of more than one catalytically effective transition metal in the form of a coating solution.

6. A membrane electrode assembly according to Claim 4, wherein said catalyst is one or a combination of more than one of palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru) or gold (Au) catalysts.

7. A membrane electrode assembly according to Claim 4, wherein said catalyst is a platinum-ruthenium (Pt-Ru) catalyst in the form of a 4 g / L coating solution.

8. A membrane electrode assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein, said membrane is any liquid in fluid form or a liquid in ionomer form during or after production.

9. A membrane electrode assembly according to Claim 1 , comprising a membrane with fuel applied to one side and oxidiser applied under equal pressure to the other side to prevent rupture.

10. The production method of membrane electrode assembly for use in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems that hasnested anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode layers, and minimises the contact surface resistance, comprising;i. pouring the ionomer into a mould larger than the anode electrode (1) while the membrane is in ionomer form during or after production, ii. immersing the anode electrode (1) in the middle of the ionomer spread in the mould while the ionomer in the mould is in the drying phase in a way that it will nest with the anode electrode (1) by a maximum of 175 microns after the ionomer has dried,iii. leaving the ionomer to dry in order for it to integrate with the anode electrode (1),iv. after the drying is completed, turning the nested semi-finished product containing the dried ionomer membrane and the anode electrode (1) upside down and placing the anode electrode (1) part inside the mould base and compressing the membrane remaining on the upper part of the semi-finished product from the ends and fixing it in the mould, v. pouring ionomer onto the membrane and using a mould to prevent the ionomer from flowing down from the edges of the membrane on the upper surface of the semi-finished product or from spreading over the membrane to the porous three-dimensional structure underneath, and compressing the ends of the membrane and preventing the ionomer from flowing out of the desired area with physical barriers,vi. immersing the cathode electrode (2) that is the same width and is vertically aligned with the anode electrode (1) below into the ionomer from the top after it has dried, in a way that it will form a maximum thickness of 175 microns inside the cathode electrode (2) and leaving it to dry,vii. obtaining the anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode structure, which is nested and in which the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) do not come into contact with each other, as an integrated and single structure MEA after drying.

11. A method according to Claim 10, wherein in the case where the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are an insulating material, insulating ceramic, insulating polymer or insulating aerogel open cell foam or fibreglass, the surfaceof the anode electrode (1 ) and cathode electrode (2) is coated with metal before the process step (i).

12. A method according to Claim 10, wherein the surface of the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) are coated with metal and / or catalyst.

13. A method according to Claim 12, wherein said catalyst is one or a combination of more than one catalytically effective transition metal in the form of a coating solution.

14. A method according to Claim 12, wherein said catalyst is one or a combination of more than one of palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru) or gold (Au) catalysts.

15. A method according to Claim 12, wherein said catalyst is a platinum-ruthenium (Pt-Ru) catalyst in the form of a 4 g / L coating solution.

16. A method according to Claim 10, wherein the ionomer is applied by brush or spray or by pouring it directly onto the membrane when it is a liquid or in fluid form.

17. A method according to Claim 10, wherein the ionomer is applied to the membrane with a doctor blade when it is in gel form.

18. The layered production method of membrane electrode assembly for use in fuel cells, electrolysers and membrane cell electrochemical production systems that has nested anode electrode-membrane-cathode electrode layers, and minimises the contact surface resistance, comprising;i. fixing the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) horizontally to the ground with the help of a mould, with a maximum gap of 300 microns between them,ii. leaving a gap of maximum 175 microns from the surface of the anode electrode (1) or cathode electrode (2) close to the ground and adding a substance that does not react with the membrane ionomer and the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) and helps to fill the gaps in liquid, powder or gel form and filling the gaps inside the electrode close to the ground,iii. vibrating the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) with an ultrasonic bath and the gaps are completely filled to completely close the gaps,iv. creating a ground at a maximum distance of 175 microns from the surface of the first electrode close to the ground by solidifying the added liquid, powder or gel, either spontaneously or with the help of an active material, radiation or heat treatment,v. applying the ionomer liquid in a way that it reaches the surface from the ground created on the upper part of the first electrode, which is close to the ground, and fills the gap between the two electrodes by penetrating into the other electrode located horizontally one above a maximum of 175 microns after drying,vi. the structure becoming solid by integrating as the excess solvent in the ionomer liquid leaking between the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) and into the electrodes evaporates and leaves the environment or dries, andvii. cleaning the solidified material forming the ground underneath from the dried structure using a solvent or by taking advantage of the difference in liquefaction and / or evaporation and obtaining the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) consisting of a membrane nested between two electrodes.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein, if the surfaces of the anode electrode (1 ) and the cathode electrode (2) facing each other are insulated or coated with insulating material, the distance between the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) are closed and they are brought into physical contact with each other in step (i).

20. A method according to claim 10 or claim 18, wherein said anode electrode (1) is hybrid structures consisting of one or more of the material types nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel or metal or metal-coated materials, polymer, ceramic, aerogel, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, fibreglass, 3D open cell structure materials with 50- 99.9% porosity, 3D stochastic open cell material, 3D amorphous porous material, 3D triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structure porous material, three-dimensional lattice rod porous material, three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional porous materials with 50-99.9% porosity, three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of polygonal hollow structures (polygon hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of circular hollow structures (circular hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped porous material, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing thin flat plates on top of each other, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing two-dimensional lattice structures on top of each other, or a three-dimensional open-cell foam material with 50-99.9% porosity or a combination of at least two.

21. A method according to claim 10 or claim 18, wherein said cathode electrode (2) is hybrid structures consisting of one or more of the material types nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), steel or metal or metal-coated materials, polymer, ceramic, aerogel, graphene, carbon, carbon nanotube, carbon fibre, fibreglass, 3D open cell structure materials with 50- 99.9% porosity, 3D stochastic open cell material, 3D amorphous porous material, 3D triple periodic minimal surface (TPMS) cell structure porous material, three-dimensional lattice rod porous material, three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional porous materials with 50-99.9% porosity, three-dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of polygonal hollow structures (polygon hollow shape 3D structure), three- dimensional porous material consisting of periodic repetition of circular hollow structures (circular hollow shape 3D structure), three-dimensional lattice topology porous material, three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped porous material, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing thin flat plates on top of each other, a three-dimensional porous material obtained by placing two-dimensional lattice structures on top of each other, or a three-dimensional open-cell foam material with 50-99.9% porosity or a combination of at least two.

22. A method according to Claim 18, wherein in the case where the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) are an insulating material, insulating ceramic, insulating polymer or insulating aerogel open cell material or fibreglass, the surface of the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) is coated with metal before the process step (i).

23. A method according to Claim 18, wherein the surface of the anode electrode (1 ) and the cathode electrode (2) are coated with catalyst.

24. A method according to Claim 23, wherein said catalyst is one or a combination of more than one catalytically effective transition metal in the form of a coating solution.

25. A method according to Claim 23, wherein said catalyst is one or a combination of more than one of palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru) or gold (Au) catalysts.

26. A method according to Claim 23, wherein said catalyst is a platinum-ruthenium (Pt-Ru) catalyst in the form of a 4 g / L coating solution.

27. A method according to any of the Claims 9-26, wherein the ionomer, which is the membrane liquid, is applied to both sides of the membrane and the three- dimensional materials are bonded to the membrane.

28. A method according to any of the Claims 9-26, wherein the ionomer, which is the membrane liquid, is applied into the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) in a way that it passes into the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2) at a maximum level of 175 microns in order to fill the gaps inside the anode electrode (1) or cathode electrode (2).

29. A membrane electrode assembly obtained by a method according to any one of claims 9-28.

30. A stack structure, comprising at least two membrane electrode assemblies according to Claim 1.

31. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, comprising the process steps of:i. closing the anode electrode (1) at the bottom of the first MEA with a conductive closed container in a way it will cover the part up to the membrane,ii. closing the cathode electrode (1) of the second MEA with a second conductive closed container in a way it will cover the part up to the membrane,iii. gluing these two closed structures together, or joining them with physical pressure to provide sealing in a way that prevents material transfer between the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode, except for the active area on the membrane, andiv. forming the stack structure by combining at least two closed containers on top of each other or side by side.

32. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, comprising the process steps of:i. creating a stack structure by placing at least two anode electrodes (1 ) and cathode electrodes (2) horizontally on the membrane,ii. filling the spaces between the parts in the stack structure with interstitial materials that are impermeable or less permeable to the substances in the electrodes, andiii. nesting the interstitial materials with the membrane by integrating the anode electrode and cathode electrode.

33. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, wherein the anode electrode (1) and the cathode electrode (2) are placed horizontally on the membrane in multiple layers in said stack structure in order to separate large horizontal monolithic areas into smaller pieces.

34. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, wherein the gaps between the parts are filled with interstitial materials that are impermeable or less permeable to the substances inside the electrodes.

35. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, comprising, in the case where open cell material is used as the conductive three-dimensional porous material in said stack structure, the process steps of:i. arranging open cell materials in a large number of rows, one thin open cell material followed by an open cell material that is twice as thick, from bottom to top with a maximum gap of 300 microns between them, ii. sequentially, first, solidifying the membrane between the thin open cell material and the thick open cell material in such a way that it nests with the conductive open cell materials, and then placing a material that is impermeable or slightly permeable to the substances inside the electrodes in the middle of the double-thick conductive open cell material with the layered production method and solidifying it inside the open cell material that it penetrates in a fluid state, andiii. applying the process to all conductive open cell materials in order from bottom to top, and ensuring that the electric current is transmitted frombottom to top and the MEAs are connected in series without the need for any additional cables.

36. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, comprising the process steps of:i. arranging the MEAs of the same size, containing the conductive anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2), from bottom to top, with the help of moulds, leaving some space between them,ii. pouring a conductive material that is impermeable or have low permeability, and solidifying it in the space between the MEAs using the layered production method while in fluid form, in a way that it penetrates into the anode electrode (1) and cathode electrode (2), in order for the MEAs to transmit electric current from one layer below to the next, and iii. transmitting electrical current from the lower MEA to the upper MEA without the need for any cables and connecting fuel cells in series.

37. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, comprising, in the case where electrically insulating open cell porous structures, insulating polymeric, insulating ceramic or insulating aerogel open cell materials are used in said stack structure, the process steps of:i. coating polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials with metal and / or catalyst in horizontal strips at certain intervals,ii. obtaining polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material formed in the form of metal and / or catalyst coated conductive strip, uncoated insulating strip and metal and / or catalyst coated conductive strip, respectively, iii. then, after the material dries to a maximum of 175 microns on the uncoated insulating strip parts, drying the ionomer in such a way that it extends beyond the insulating strip from the top and bottom, and obtaining MEA on the ceramic or aerogel open cell material by horizontally nesting the membrane with the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material, iv. placing a conductive interstitial filling material, which is impermeable or slightly permeable to the substances in the electrodes, in the gaps between the obtained MEAs when they are stacked on top of each other, or while the interstitial filling material is in fluid form, pouring and solidifying the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials between two MEAsin a way that they do not fill the entire conductive strips without spilling out of the strip and are horizontally nested with the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell materials, andv. obtaining a structure that connects MEAs in series without the need for cables.

38. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, comprising, in the case where electrically insulating open cell porous structures, insulating polymeric, insulating ceramic or insulating aerogel open cell materials are used in said stack structure, the process steps of:i. extending, beginning from the bottom, the first electrically insulating strip part beyond the electrically insulating strip by a maximum of 175 microns from the top and bottom, using the layered production method, adding ionomer and drying it to ensure that it is nested with the polymeric, ceramic or aerogel open cell material,ii. ensuring that the interstitial filling material, which is impermeable or less permeable to the substances inside the electrodes, is nested with the open-cell polymeric or ceramic material in a fluid state in the middle of the first electrically insulating horizontal strip and the second electrically insulating strip, again by using the layered production method, in a way that it does not cover the entire conductive strip area and does not extend beyond the strip, and solidifying it there and continuing this application until the end of the monolithic part, andiii. obtaining a structure that allows serial connection of MEAs from bottom to top without the need for cables.

39. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, wherein, in said stack structure, electrically insulating open cell porous polymeric materials or ceramics are coated with metal and / or catalyst at certain intervals in the form of horizontal stripes.

40. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, wherein MEAs are combined one under the other to form a vertical stack.

41. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, wherein vertical layers are obtained by connecting MEAs in series, one on top of the other, without the need for any cables by stacking small three-dimensional porous materials horizontally in multiple layers.

42. The method for obtaining a stack structure according to claim 30, wherein fuel is applied to one side of the membrane and oxidiser to the other side with equal pressure in order to prevent the membrane from rupturing.

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