Method for Producing Gas Diffusion Electrodes for Fuel Cells, as well as Gas Diffusion Electrode and Fuel Cell

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method for manufacturing gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for fuel cells using a physical vapor deposition process. In this process, alternating thin layers of platinum-containing and non-metallic conductive particles (such as graphite, titanium, cobalt, or tungsten, and their oxides) are deposited onto a conductive support. This creates a catalytic layer with multiple alternating sublayers. The method significantly reduces the amount of expensive noble metals required while maintaining or improving the electrode's catalytic activity and durability.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), including high-temperature variants
• Application in automotive fuel cell stacks for electric vehicles
• Energy generation for stationary fuel cell power plants
• Power sources for portable electronic devices using fuel cells
• Hydrogen-fueled backup energy systems

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces the consumption of costly noble metals, especially platinum, lowering manufacturing costs
• Improves the catalytic activity and efficiency of the electrodes
• Enhances the long-term stability and lifespan of the fuel cell electrodes
• Creates thin, mesoporous catalytic layers for optimal gas diffusion and high active surface area
• Enables flexible design of electrode materials through controlled alternating deposition
• Can be applied using scalable, industrially viable physical vapor deposition techniques

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for fuel cells, which gas diffusion electrodes comprise at least one electrically conductive carrier (4) and at least one catalytic layer (3) containing noble metal on the carrier (4). Particles containing noble metal and non-metal conductive particles are alternately applied by physical gas-phase deposition on the electrically conductive carrier (4) in order to produce the catalytic layer (3).