Electrochemical Cell and Method for Production Thereof

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This invention provides an improved design and production method for electrochemical cells, particularly those using acidic polymer membranes such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. By introducing regions containing an alkaline polymer between the electrode and current collector, this solution increases the local pH in these critical areas when water is present. The result is a significant reduction or prevention of acid-induced corrosion, a common problem in standard cells, without impeding electrical conductivity or material transport.

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• Fuel cells for automotive or stationary power applications
• Electrolyzers for hydrogen production
• Industrial electrochemical devices where corrosion is an issue with acidic electrolytes
• Portable power sources requiring long-term stability and cost effectiveness
• Battery technologies using polymer electrolyte membranes

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces or prevents corrosion between electrode and current collector, increasing device longevity
• Allows the use of less expensive, less noble materials for current collectors, reducing production costs
• Maintains necessary ion/electron and material transport, so performance is not compromised
• Enables thinner or less continuous layers that preserve electrical conductivity and gas transport
• Flexible manufacturing process that can be incorporated into existing production lines (e.g., via spraying, coating, or dipping)

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising at least one acid polymer membrane, as well as comprising at least one electrode and a current collector arranged adjacent thereto. According to the invention, between the electrode and the current collector, the surface of the electrode and/or of the current collector has at least one region which comprises at least one alkaline polymer. With the addition of water, the alkaline polymer increases the local pH value between the electrode and current collector, and reduces or prevents ideally the corrosion that would otherwise normally occur. In the method for producing an electrochemical cell comprising at least one acid polymer membrane, as well as at least one electrode and a current collector arranged adjacent thereto, according to the invention, a solution or dispersion comprising an alkaline polymer is applied on the surface of the current collector and/or the adjacent electrode, which is then dried and fixed such that at least one surface has regions comprising at least one alkaline polymer.