Patent ID: 8512907
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A membrane-catalyst layer assembly with reinforcing films comprising: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; a catalyst layer formed on each surface of the electrolyte membrane; a frame-shaped reinforcing film with a central opening, the reinforcing film being located on each surface of a membrane-catalyst layer assembly having the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layers, in such a manner that each catalyst layer, except for an outer edge portion thereof, is exposed through the opening; a frame-shaped gasket located on each of the reinforcing films; a gas diffusion layer formed on each of the catalyst layers inside the opening of each reinforcing film, and having an outer peripheral surface, wherein each said gas diffusion layer is not co-extensive with its associated catalyst layer; a separator located on each gas diffusion layer and each frame-shaped gasket; each of the reinforcing films comprising a first bonding layer bonded to the membrane-catalyst layer assembly, and a gas barrier layer formed on the first bonding layer to prevent passage of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas; an outer edge portion of each first bonding layer of each reinforcing film being located outside an outer edge of the electrolyte membrane, the outer edge portions being bonded together; each of the first bonding layers being bonded to the outer edge portion of each catalyst layer and the outer edge portion of the electrolyte membrane; and each of the first bonding layers and each of the gas barrier layers extending so as to overlap the outer edge portion of each catalyst layer; each catalyst layer and each gas diffusion layer constituting an electrode; each electrode is spaced apart from, but surrounded about its periphery by, a respective one of said frame-shaped gaskets located on its associated said reinforcing film, wherein each said associated reinforcing film does not abut against the periphery of each said gas diffusion layer so that a gap is defined in which a portion of the surface of each said catalyst layer is exposed; an opening of each gasket being larger than the opening of each reinforcing film; and the surface of each gasket and the surface of each gas diffusion layer being located at substantially the same height, and each separator being located on the surfaces thereof.