Patent ID: 7521144
Filing Date: 2009-04-21
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells which comprises: a polymer electrolyte membrane; and electrodes disposed on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane; wherein the electrodes comprise: catalyst layers containing a catalyst; and gas diffusion layers, at least equal in size to the catalyst layers, disposed on the surfaces of the catalyst layers not in contact with the polymer electrolyte membrane; the polymer electrolyte membrane comprises: a filled layer, and resin layers consisting of an ion exchange resin, coated on both surfaces of the filled layer a first central region having proton conductivity in the thickness direction of the polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein the filled layer comprises a reinforcing material comprising void portions and the void portions are filled with the ion exchange resin; and a second region peripheral to the first central region wherein the filled layer comprises a non-perforated sheet coated on both surfaces with the resin layers and having no proton conductivity in the thickness direction of the polymer electrolyte membrane; the electrodes have an outer edge located on the second region of the polymer electrolyte membrane; and the gas diffusion layer support the catalyst layers.