Patent ID: 6946211
Filing Date: 2005-09-20
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for preparation of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for fuel cells, the method comprising the following steps: providing an acid-doped solid electrolyte; providing a gas diffusion cathode by: i) providing a first hydrophobic carbon support substrate by treatment of a carbon substrate with a hydrophobic polymer solution, ii) providing a first supporting layer on the first support substrate by casting a slurry onto the first support substrate, said slurry comprising carbon black, and a hydrophobic polymer, iii) providing a first catalyst layer on the first supporting layer by casting a slurry onto the first supporting layer, said slurry comprising carbon-supported noble metal catalysts and a polymer binder, and iv) doping the first catalyst layer with an acid mixture comprising a volatile acid and a non-volatile acid; providing a gas diffusion anode by essentially utilizing the steps i)-iv) above, said gas diffusion anode comprising a second hydrophobic carbon support substrate, and a second supporting layer and a second catalyst layer; and assembling the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) by sandwiching the gas diffusion anode, the solid electrolyte and the gas diffusion cathode so that the first catalyst layer and the second catalyst layer both are facing the solid electrolyte.