Fuel Cell Electrolyte Ink Dispersion to Prevent Cerium Settling

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in forming an electrolyte layer for fuel cells is the settling of cerium-containing oxide particles, leading to instability in the ink composition and difficulty in continuous layer formation, which degrades the electrolyte layer.

Innovation Solution

A method involving crushing cerium-containing oxide powder to a fine powder, mixing with an ionomer and water, followed by ultrasonic treatment and optional shaking, to stabilize the ink composition and prevent particle settling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cerium-containing oxide particles are used in the ink for electrolyte layer formation, then the radical quenching function is improved, but the particles settle over time causing composition instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradical quenching functionVSAvoidink composition stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Ultrasonic treatment is applied to the ink to prevent cerium-containing oxide particles from settling. The ultrasonic vibration keeps particles suspended uniformly in the solvent, maintaining composition stability while preserving the radical quenching function of the cerium compound.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The particle size of cerium-containing oxide is reduced to fine powder through crushing. This parameter change in particle size improves dispersion stability and reduces settling, while maintaining the chemical functionality for radical quenching in the electrolyte layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cerium-containing oxide powder is used directly in the ink, then the radical quenching effectiveness is improved, but the particles settle making continuous layer formation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradical quenching effectivenessVSAvoidcontinuous layer formation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Ultrasonic treatment is applied to the ink to prevent cerium-containing oxide particles from settling. The ultrasonic vibration keeps particles suspended uniformly in the solvent, maintaining composition stability while preserving the radical quenching function of the cerium compound.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The particle size of cerium-containing oxide is reduced to fine powder through crushing. This parameter change in particle size improves dispersion stability and reduces settling, while maintaining the chemical functionality for radical quenching in the electrolyte layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method ensures a stable ink composition with fine cerium-containing oxide particles, allowing continuous electrolyte layer formation and reducing degradation by hydrogen peroxide.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic treatment step of performing an ultrasonic treatment on the second mixed liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic treatment: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12410335B2Method for producing ink for use in forming electrolyte layer of fuel cell

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A method for producing an ink for use in forming an electrolyte layer of a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a crushing step of crushing a cerium-containing oxide powder to obtain a cerium-containing oxide fine powder; a first mixing step of mixing and stirring the cerium-containing oxide fine powder, an ionomer, and water to obtain a first mixed liquid; a second mixing step of mixing and stirring the first mixed liquid and 1-propanol to obtain a second mixed liquid; and an ultrasonic treatment step of performing an ultrasonic treatment on the second mixed liquid.