Patent ID: 7445742
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: B29C,B29L,B82Y,C25B,H01B,H01M,Y02E,Y02P,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of making nanoscale catalyst patterns for an ion exchange membrane, comprising: providing a mold having a top surface; establishing at least one nanoscale masking element on at least a portion of the top surface; etching exposed portions of the mold to form at least one nanoscale protrusion therein; pressing the at least one nanoscale protrusion into a top surface of the membrane to form at least one nanoscale recess therein the at least one recess having a bottom and side walls, wherein the side walls extend from the top surface of the membrane to the bottom of the at least one recess; depositing a layer of catalytic material on the top surface of the membrane and the bottom of the at least one recess such that the side walls remain substantially free of catalytic material; and chemically bonding, via laser heat application, oxidation or reduction, the layer of catalytic material to the top surface of the membrane and the bottom of the at least one recess.