WO2006090464A1

WO2006090464A1 - Solid polymer fuel cell and method for producing same

Info

Publication number: WO2006090464A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/003058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Katsuya Okumura
Original assignee: Octec, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-02-24
Filing date: 2005-02-24
Publication date: 2006-08-31

Abstract

Disclosed is a small-sized solid polymer fuel cell having improved efficiency which can be produced at low cost. Specifically disclosed is a solid polymer fuel cell comprising a cell unit (12) which includes a membrane electrode assembly (22) wherein an anode electrode (18) and a cathode electrode (20) are respectively fixed to the sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane (16) in a integrated manner, and an air-permeable collector member (24) arranged on the outer surface of the anode electrode and/or the cathode electrode. A plurality of cell units (12) are stacked in such a manner that the anode electrodes or the cathode electrodes in adjacent cell units are opposite to each other. In addition, a common reaction fluid supplying space (48a, 48c) is arranged between these opposite electrodes.

Description

Specification

Solid polymer fuel cell and manufacturing method

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, and more particularly to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell suitable as a power source for home use or portable electronic devices.

Background art

A polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a proton conductive polymer membrane as an electrolyte has advantages such as a small size and light weight, high output density, low operating temperature, and short start-up time. Therefore, development is underway for use as a power source for electric vehicles, household cordage energy systems, portable devices, and the like.

FIG. 19 shows a unit cell of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, in which an anode electrode (fuel electrode) 102 and a force sword electrode (oxidant electrode) 104 are integrated on both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane 100, respectively. The membrane electrode assembly 106 is configured in such a manner that a pair of separators 108 and 108 are sandwiched between the outer sides thereof. Each electrode is composed of a catalyst layer and a porous support layer such as carbon, and the separator 108 is formed with a groove 110 on the opposite side of the electrode to form an anode gas (fuel) and a power sword gas (oxidant). A flow path for supplying a reaction fluid such as is supplied to the electrode. The separator 108 plays a role of blocking the reaction fluid between the stacked cells, forming a flow path of the reaction fluid supplied to the electrodes and the generated water, transferring electrons, and supporting the structure of the membrane electrode assembly 106. I'm in charge. Grooves are formed on both surfaces of the separator 108, and separators and membrane electrode assemblies are alternately arranged in series so that cells can be stacked to obtain a required voltage.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1: Hideo Tamura et al. "Functional Chemistry Series of Electrons and Ions Vol.4"

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] As described above, the separator is required to have a complicated function electrically and mechanically and also needs to have corrosion resistance. Therefore, a force material typically using carbon (graphite) is expensive. There is also a high cost for machining the grooves. Carbon is also more electrically conductive than metal. In addition to low conductivity, a specific thickness is required to process a groove with a complex shape and obtain sufficient mechanical strength, which hinders the miniaturization of a fuel cell configured by stacking cells. It is a factor.

In addition, since the groove-like flow path formed in the separator is thin and long, condensed water is generated in the wake, which prevents smooth reaction fluid supply and increases pressure loss, thereby reducing efficiency. Or cause noise and vibration.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and solves the dimensional and cost problems of the conventional separator structure, can be manufactured at low cost, and achieves efficiency and miniaturization. It is an object of the present invention to provide a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that can be used.

Means for solving the problem

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1 is a membrane electrode joint in which an anode electrode and a force sword electrode are attached to both sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane, respectively. And a cell unit comprising a current collecting member having air permeability installed so as to be in surface contact with the anode electrode and the Z or force sword electrode, and a plurality of the cell sets are connected to the anode electrode. The force sword electrodes are stacked so as to be opposed to each other, and a common reaction fluid supply space is provided between these opposed electrodes.

[0008] According to the invention described in claim 1, a plurality of cell units are arranged so that the same electrodes are opposed to each other, and a common reaction fluid supply space is provided between the opposed electrodes. Therefore, there is no need to arrange a conventional separator between the stacked cells. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the apparatus can be downsized.

[0009] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the current collecting member is made of a highly conductive material in which a plurality of holes are formed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size and improve the efficiency by manufacturing the current collecting member with a highly conductive material. In other words, since electrons generated on the electrode surface can be collected efficiently, the configuration of the reaction fluid supply space is simplified because it is not necessary to supply the reaction fluid through a narrow and long complicated flow path as in the case of using a separator. Therefore, the reaction fluid can be easily supplied to the electrode. In particular, the length of the flow path is shortened, resulting in the generation of condensed water. The efficiency can be improved by suppressing the life.

[0010] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1, the current collecting member has a porous, highly conductive material force.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the electrode is in surface contact with the current collecting member made of a porous, highly conductive material, so that the current conduction between the current collecting member and the electrode and the supply of the reaction fluid are made uniform. Can be achieved.

[0011] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cell unit includes a fluid that communicates with the reaction fluid supply space when stacked. There is a passage that forms the flow path! / Characterized by scolding.

According to the invention described in claim 4, the flow path for supplying and discharging the reaction fluid to the cell is formed by forming the fluid flow path communicating with the reaction fluid supply space in the stacking direction and opening the reaction fluid supply space. Can be designed appropriately.

[0012] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 4, wherein, in one of the cell units, the membrane electrode assembly has a plurality of regions, and the passage opening is It is provided for each of these areas.

According to the invention described in claim 5, by providing the passage port for each region of the membrane electrode assembly, the supply path of the reaction fluid to the cell can be subdivided and one flow path can be shortened. As a result, the pressure loss for supplying the reaction fluid can be reduced and the generation of condensed water can be suppressed.

[0013] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reaction fluid supply space is divided into a plurality of sections in one cell unit. It is characterized by being formed.

According to the invention described in claim 6, by forming the reaction fluid supply space into a plurality of sections, the flow of the reaction fluid is controlled to reduce the flow path resistance, that is, the pressure loss, and the condensed water. Occurrence can be suppressed.

[0014] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 7 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an insulating member that insulates the layers of the cell unit is provided. Features. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 8 is the conduction according to the invention according to claim 7, wherein the current collecting members are three-dimensionally connected so that the cell units are connected in series. A structure is provided.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 9 is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a seal member for sealing between the layers of the cell unit is provided. .

[0015] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 10 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the anode reaction fluid and the force sword reaction fluid in each of the reaction fluid supply spaces are provided. The flow directions are orthogonal to each other.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 11 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 and 10, wherein the cell unit is arranged substantially horizontally, and the force sword reaction fluid The discharge port is provided below the stacked cell units.

[0016] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 12 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cell unit or a component constituting the cell unit is laminated. It is characterized in that a positioning element for positioning is provided. As a result, the assembly and production of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell can be performed accurately and quickly. As the positioning element, for example, there is an element in which an engaging portion such as a hole or a groove is provided in the cell unit or its component parts, and a common guide pin is engaged with these and stacked.

[0017] The method for producing a membrane electrode assembly according to claim 13 produces a membrane electrode assembly in which a plurality of anode electrodes and force sword electrodes are respectively attached to both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane. Forming a sheet on which the plurality of anode electrodes or force sword electrodes are provided in advance, and transferring the plurality of anode electrodes or force sword electrodes to the polymer electrolyte membrane from the sheet. Features.

The invention's effect

[0018] According to the inventions of claims 1 to 12, the reaction fluid supply space that does not require a separator to be disposed between the stacked cells is rationally simplified, thereby reducing cost and size. It is possible to provide a solid polymer fuel cell. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a senor unit that is a main part of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. '

FIG. 4 shows a structure of a membrane electrode assembly (a) a plan view and (b) an enlarged cross-sectional view.

5A is a diagram showing a configuration of a current collecting member, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a configuration of a contact electrode portion.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a current collecting member.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a current collecting member.

FIG. 8 (a) is a view showing a configuration of a main part of the current collecting member, and (b) is an enlarged sectional view of the part.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a spacer.

[FIG. 10] (a) to (d) are diagrams showing a configuration of a main part of another embodiment of a current collecting member.

FIG. 11 (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the flow of fluid in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a flow of fluid in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electrode terminal for taking out current from a current collecting member to the outside.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing connection of electrode terminals.

[FIG. 15] (a) to (d) are diagrams showing a process of creating an electrode film of a membrane electrode assembly.

[FIG. 16] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing a process of preparing an electrode film of a membrane electrode assembly.

FIGS. 17 (a) to (c) are diagrams showing a process of transferring an electrode film of a membrane electrode assembly to a sheet.

[FIG. 18] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing a process of transferring an electrode membrane of a membrane electrode assembly to a polymer electrolyte membrane.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a conventional polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Solid of this embodiment

Refill paper (Rule 26) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the polymer fuel cell is constructed by laminating flat cell units 12 between a pair of end plates 10 and 10 in multiple layers (in this example, three layers)! RU Each cell 12 has nine cells 14 arranged in three rows vertically and three rows horizontally in the same plane. The number of cell units 12 stacked, the planar shape of the cells 14 in the cell unit 12 and the number of arrangement patterns can be appropriately set as necessary.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, each cell unit 12 has an anode electrode (fuel electrode) 18 and a force sword electrode (oxidant electrode) 20 arranged on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane 16, respectively. The membrane electrode assembly 22 and the current collecting member 24 sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly 22 from above and below are provided. As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the polymer electrolyte membrane 16 is common in one cell unit 12, but the anode electrode 18 and the force sword electrode 20 arranged on the same are disposed between the cells. Arranged independently. The constituent elements of the membrane / electrode assembly 22 are well-known and will not be described in detail. An insulating sheet 26 having the same thickness as these electrodes is disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane 16 and the current collecting member 24 at portions other than the anode electrode 18 and the force sword electrode 20. Further, in the cell 12, the current collecting member 24 is also common to all the cells 14, and therefore these cells 14 are connected in parallel.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the current collecting member 24 includes a contact electrode portion 28 in contact with the anode electrode 18 or the force sword electrode 20 of each cell 14, and a frame portion surrounding the contact electrode portion 28. 30 is integrated into a plate shape. The frame portion 30 includes an outer frame portion 32 on the outer peripheral side and two partition portions 34 that cut the inside of the outer frame portion 32. In this example, the frame part 30 is thicker than the contact electrode part 28 to maintain the structural strength. The current collecting member 24 may be made of any appropriate material as long as it is a good conductor having a predetermined strength, but a metal is preferable from the viewpoint of strength and conductivity. That is, when the current collecting member is made of metal, it is possible to reduce the size and improve the efficiency by utilizing its strength and good conductivity. In this example, Ni is used, which has the strength to maintain the laminated structure even if it is thin. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), a plurality of holes 36 are arranged uniformly in a staggered manner in the contact electrode portion 28 so that a gas or liquid as a reaction fluid can be transmitted. In this example, the hole diameter is φ3.0πιπι, the hole pitch is 4.5 mm, and the hole area ratio is about 0.4. The contact electrode part 28 is thinner than the frame part 30 and facilitates the flow of the reaction fluid. In such a configuration, the current generated on the polymer electrolyte membrane 16 is collected in the frame portion 30 via the thin contact electrode portion 28. Since the contact electrode part 28 is made of a metal, which is a good conductive material having higher conductivity than carbon, even if it is thin, the ohmic resistance loss is higher than that when current is collected by a conventional graphite separator. (= Joule heat) can be reduced. According to the calculation by the inventor, when the hole area ratio is 0.4 using Ni as a material, the ohmic resistance loss in the contact electrode portion 28 is reduced to a membrane electrode assembly if the thickness of the contact electrode portion 28 is 8 m or more. It was possible to reduce the ohmic resistance loss at 22 to less than 5%.

[0024] The current collecting member 24 can be composed of, for example, a thick portion 38 mainly constituting the frame portion 30 and a thin portion 40 mainly constituting the contact electrode portion 28 as shown in FIG. . As shown in FIG. 7, the thick portion 38 has an outer frame portion 32 and two partition portions 34, and is manufactured by punching a thick plate material or the like. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the thin portion 40 has a frame portion 30 and a hole 36 in the contact electrode portion 28 formed in a body, and is manufactured by punching or etching. The thick portion 38 and the thin portion 40 are joined together by current welding, laser welding, or the like, and if necessary, the sealing resin is infiltrated into the joint portion and solidified to maintain airtightness.

[0025] These cell units 12 are laminated so that electrodes of the same polarity face each other. As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the upper cell 14 and the middle cell 14 are opposed to the anode electrode 18, and the middle cell 14 and the lower cell 14 are opposed to the force sword electrode 20. Between the end plate 10 and the cell unit 12 and between adjacent cell units 12, a spacer, that is, an anode-side spacer 42a or a force sword is provided at a position corresponding to the frame 30 of the current collector 24. A side spacer 42c is arranged. As shown in FIG. 9, each spacer 42a, 42c has an outer frame portion 44 and a partition portion 46 that partitions the contact electrode portion 28 in contact with the electrode of each cell 14 in the “row” or “column” direction. It has. Thus, the reaction fluid supply space along the electrode surface between the end plate 10 and the cell unit 12, and the adjacent cell units 12, that is, the anode reaction fluid supply space 48a and the force sword reaction fluid supply space 48c. However, a plurality of rows (three rows in the illustrated example) are formed in the same cell unit 12! In the case of a fuel cell, the oxidant supplied to the force sword electrode 20 is a single gas such as oxygen or air containing oxygen. Generally, a liquid such as liquid oxygen may be used. Further, the fuel supplied to the anode electrode may be a liquid such as methanol, dimethyl ether, or a similar alcohol-based substance, in addition to a gas such as hydrogen.

The spacers 42a and 42c thus form the airtight reaction fluid supply spaces 48a and 48c between the cell units 12, and also electrically isolate the current collecting members 24 of the cell unit 12. Do. The anode reaction fluid supply space 48a and the force sword reaction fluid supply space 48c are alternately formed between the stacked cell units 12, and the reaction fluid supply spaces 48a and 48c formed between the adjacent cell units 12 are these. Cell unit 12 is shared. The anode side spacer 42a The force sword side spacer 42c has basically the same shape, but is arranged in an orthogonal direction as shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b). . Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the anode reaction fluid supply space 48a and the force sword reaction fluid supply space 48c are formed so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to each other. In this embodiment, the spacers 42a and 42c have the same shape as the thick portion 38 of the current collecting member 24 shown in FIG. 7, but the shape is appropriately adopted as long as the above functions are achieved. Is possible. In this embodiment, pin holes 49 are provided at the four corners of the components constituting the cell unit 12 such as the polymer electrolyte membrane 16, the current collecting member 24, and the spacers 42a and 42c. By inserting (not shown), it is possible to assemble the polymer electrolyte fuel cell that is a laminate of the cell 12 with high accuracy and efficiency.

[0027] FIG. 10 (a) shows another embodiment of the current collecting member, in which the opening formed in the thick portion 38 is divided by a girder to form a reaction fluid supply space. It is. The girder supports the contact electrode portion of the thin portion 40, so that the portion can be reinforced. FIG. 10 (b) shows a structure in which a columnar member is provided to reinforce the region of the thin portion 40 that extends to the passing through contact electrode portion 28, whereby the thin portion 40 facing the sandwiched reaction fluid supply space is provided. Since the columnar members provided on each other face each other, the portions can be reinforced and the airtightness can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the two end plates 10 has a marquee formed by a flow path 62 on the outer side, and the flow path 62 includes an external supply pipe and a discharge pipe (not shown). Connection ports 64a, 65a, 64c and 65c are provided for connection. That is, one (upper side in Figure 1 The end plate 10 is connected to the anode reaction fluid connection ports 64a and 65a, and the other end plate 10 (lower side in FIG. 1) is connected to the force sword reaction fluid connection ports 64c and 65c. Yes. Further, the anode reaction fluid or the force sword reaction fluid is circulated in the spacers 42a and 42c, the current collecting member 24, and the membrane electrode assembly 22 in the anode reaction fluid supply space 48a and the force sword reaction fluid supply space 48c, respectively. Passing ports 53a, 53c, 54a, 54c are formed.

[0029] These passage ports 53a, 53c, 54a, 54c are located at positions corresponding to the anode reaction fluid or force sword reaction fluid supply ports 50a, 50c and the discharge ports 52a, 52c formed in the end plate 10. In the stacked state, the supply ports 50a and 50c communicate with the anode reaction fluid supply space 48a and the force sword reaction fluid supply space 48c through the passage ports 53a and 53c, and the discharge ports 52a and 52c have passage ports 54a, The anode reaction fluid supply space 48a and the force sword reaction fluid supply space 48c communicate with each other through 54c. As a result, a supply flow path and a discharge flow path for allowing the anode reaction fluid or the force sword reaction fluid to flow through the reaction fluid supply spaces 48a and 48c are formed so as to extend along the stacking direction. Gas and other fluids do not leak between the laminated members! A sufficient seal is made.

[0030] These supply flow path and discharge flow path are formed in directions orthogonal to each other so as not to intersect with the reaction fluid supply space on the other electrode side. Thus, by arranging the passage ports so that the flow directions of the anode reaction fluid and the cathode reaction fluid are orthogonal to each other, it becomes possible to share the supply z discharge passage ports of adjacent cell units, and to supply the fluid. Mouth simplification and downsizing of the device can be achieved. Further, in this embodiment, since the discharge port 52c for the force sword reaction fluid is provided on the lower side of the laminated structure, even if the water generated in the force sword is condensed, the discharge is smoothly performed. Is called.

[0031] Further, in this embodiment, the connection port, supply port, and discharge port of the anode reaction fluid and the force sword reaction fluid are separated for each end plate, thereby simplifying the piping and providing a powerful fluid supply form such as a fuel tank. Can be simplified. Of course, the arrangement of the connection ports 64a, 65a, 64c, 65c, the supply ports 50a, 50c, and the discharge ports 52a, 52c is related to the arrangement of the fluid source and the supply piping, and the devices arranged adjacent to each other. Can be determined as appropriate. There is also a configuration in which piping is not installed on one or both of the power sword side supply port 50c and the discharge port 52c. Especially when air is used as the reaction fluid on the force sword side, piping must be used on both the supply side and the discharge side. It does not have to be.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the supply flow path and discharge flow path of these anode reaction fluid or force sword reaction fluid are the cells 14 in each anode reaction fluid supply space 48a or force sword reaction fluid supply space 48c, respectively. It is opened alternately at a position that sandwiches. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 12, these fluids flow into the anode reaction fluid supply space 48a or the force sword reaction fluid supply space 48c from the supply flow path, and face each anode electrode 18 or force sword electrode 20 It flows along the surface and flows out to the opposing discharge channel. That is, these fluids are discharged after crossing one cell 14. As described above, since each reaction fluid supply space 48a, 48c flows through a certain distance, a stable power generation operation is brought about.

[0033] The supply ports 50a, 50c, the discharge ports 52a, 52c, and the passage ports 53a, 53c, 54a, 54c located inside the cell unit 12 are the fluid flows of the two cells 14 on both sides sandwiching these passage ports. Therefore, if the opening area is larger than the opening located in the outer frame portion, the cells 14 can easily supply the reaction fluid uniformly.

In this embodiment, the current collecting member 24 of each cell unit 12 is provided along the opposing sides of the current collecting member 24 as shown in FIG. 13 at the electrode terminals 56a and 56c. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the electrode terminals 56a and 56c are provided at opposite ends in the fluid flow direction in the reaction fluid supply spaces 48a and 48c. It is not the side of the fluid flow direction shown in b). This is because the length of the flow path from the contact electrode portion 28 to the electrode terminals 56a and 56c via the outer frame portion 44 of the current collecting member 24 is equal to the length of the 1S contact electrode portion 28 to the partition portion 46. The length of the flow path toward the electrode terminals 56a and 56c via the line is shorter in the case shown in FIG. 13 (a), and is the force that can reduce the ohmic resistance loss. Therefore, the best mode is that the electrode terminals 56a and 56c for drawing the current collected in the current collecting member 24 to the outside of the battery are end portions in the fluid flow direction. Further, in order to obtain a predetermined voltage, the required number of cell units 12 can be stacked, and these electrode terminals 56a and 56c can be connected in series by internal wiring 58 as shown in FIG. The method of the internal wiring 58 can be realized by a three-dimensional connection as shown in FIG. In this example, the cross section is widened to reduce ohmic resistance loss in internal wiring 58. However, the internal wiring 58 can be made thinner if necessary.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly (see FIG. 4) of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15 or FIG. The following method forms a sintered porous carbon membrane for forming an anode electrode or a force sword electrode, and transfers it onto the polymer electrolyte membrane. First, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), a suitable substrate 70, for example, a surface of a silicon wafer is subjected to an oxidation treatment to form an SiO film 72. And as shown in Fig. 15 (b)

2

Carbon powder 74 is printed on the surface of the substrate 70, and this is subjected to high-temperature heat treatment at about 1000 ° C in a reduction furnace, and the carbon powder 74 is sintered and sintered as shown in FIGS. 15 (c) and (d). A carbon film 76 is formed.

Next, a catalyst is supported on the sintered carbon powder film by the process shown in FIG.

That is, as shown in Fig. 16 (a), a catalytic metal such as a Pt ((NH) (NO) / ethanol solution is used.

3 2 2 2

Solution 78 was dropped, and as shown in FIG. 16 (b), this was dried under reduced pressure, and further heat treated in a N + H atmosphere at 400 ° C., for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (c). Reduce Pt particles 80 as shown in

twenty two

-Deposit and make electrode film 82.

Next, the electrode film 82 thus created is transferred to the transfer sheet 84 by the process shown in FIG. The transfer sheet 84 is composed of a carrier resin layer made of a thermoplastic resin such as PET and an adhesive resin layer, and adheres the adherend firmly at room temperature. It is easy to peel off the adherend without losing or damaging it. As shown in FIG. 17A, such a transfer sheet 84 is attached to the surface of the substrate 70 on which the electrode film 82 is formed, and the SiO film 72 is removed by etching with a dilute hydrogen fluoride solution.

2

As a result, the substrate is separated from the substrate 70 as shown in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 17C, the electrode film 82 peeled from the substrate 70 is impregnated with a naphthion (trade name) oligomer solution 86 to form a naphthion packed layer 87. Naphion oligomers enhance the bonding between the electrode and the polymer electrolyte membrane and carry protons into the electrode.

[0038] The anode electrode film 82a and the force sword electrode film 82c on the transfer sheet 84 produced by the above process are further transferred onto the polymer electrolyte film 88 by the process shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), the transfer sheet 84 having the electrode films 82 formed on both surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 88 is attached at predetermined positions, and as shown in FIG. ° C Then, as shown in FIG. 18 (c), the transfer sheet 84, which has lost its adhesive strength due to heat, is removed to form a membrane electrode assembly.

[0039] As described above, according to the manufacturing process of the membrane electrode assembly of this embodiment, the catalyst is supported on the carbon film formed by printing or the like to form the electrode film 82, and this is formed into the polymer electrolyte. Since the film 88 is transferred, a membrane electrode assembly used for one cell unit can be efficiently produced.

[0040] In the above method, the force transferred from the electrode film 82 formed on the substrate 70 to the transfer sheet 84 and transferred to the high molecular electrolyte film 88, for example, carbon on a conductive material such as carbon paper. The electrode film 82 may be formed by printing a powder to form a porous film and a carbon film having a dense layer force, and supporting the catalyst on the porous layer. In this case, such an electrode film 82 is attached with the porous layer side facing the polymer electrolyte film 88. In the above steps, graphite powder was used as the strong material, but an appropriate material such as activated carbon fiber or carbon nanofiber can be used as necessary.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications can be made in accordance with the gist thereof. For example, as a material for the current collecting member, an appropriate material such as a force bonbon can be used as long as it satisfies the conditions of conductivity and strength without being limited to metal. Further, as a structure for allowing the reaction fluid to pass therethrough, a porous material can be used in addition to forming a hole.

Industrial applicability

[0042] The present invention is particularly suitably used as a power source for home or portable electronic devices.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A membrane electrode assembly in which an anode electrode and a force sword electrode are respectively attached to both sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane, and an air vent installed so as to be in surface contact with the anode electrode and the Z or force sword electrode Having a cell unit equipped with a current collecting member having

A plurality of the cell units are stacked so that the anode electrodes or the force sword electrodes are opposed to each other, and a common reaction fluid supply space is provided between these opposed electrodes. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell characterized by the above.

[2] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to [1], wherein the current collecting member has a highly conductive material force in which a plurality of holes are formed.

[3] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to [1], wherein the current collecting member has a porous, highly conductive material force.

[4] The cell unit is provided with a passage opening that constitutes a fluid flow path communicating with the reaction fluid supply space at the time of stacking. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of the above.

[5] The cell electrode assembly according to claim 4, wherein the membrane electrode assembly has a plurality of regions in one cell unit, and the passage port is provided for each of the regions. Solid polymer fuel cell.

[6] The solid polymer according to any one of claims 1 and 5, wherein, in one cell unit, the reaction fluid supply space is divided into a plurality of sections. Type fuel cell.

[7] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein an insulating member for insulating between the layers of the cell unit is provided.

[8] The solid polymer mold according to [7], wherein a conductive structure for three-dimensionally connecting the current collecting members is provided so that the cell units are connected in series. Fuel cell.

[9] The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein a sealing member for sealing between the layers of the cell unit is provided.

[10] Anode reaction fluid supplied to the anode electrode and supplied to the force sword electrode 10. The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein flow directions of the force sword reaction fluid are orthogonal to each other in each of the reaction fluid supply spaces.

[11] The cell unit is arranged substantially horizontally, and the outlet of the force sword reaction fluid is provided below the stacked cell units.

The polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to any one of 0.

12. The cell unit or a component constituting the cell unit is provided with a positioning element for determining a position when stacking them. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell according to claim 1.

[13] A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly in which a plurality of anode electrodes and force sword electrodes are attached to both sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane,

A membrane electrode assembly, wherein a sheet on which the plurality of anode electrodes or force sword electrodes are provided in advance is prepared, and the plurality of anode electrodes or force sword electrodes are transferred from the sheet to the polymer electrolyte membrane. Manufacturing method.