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WO2025087498A1 - Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule électrochimique, cellule électrochimique - Google Patents

Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule électrochimique, cellule électrochimique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025087498A1
WO2025087498A1 PCT/EP2023/079433 EP2023079433W WO2025087498A1 WO 2025087498 A1 WO2025087498 A1 WO 2025087498A1 EP 2023079433 W EP2023079433 W EP 2023079433W WO 2025087498 A1 WO2025087498 A1 WO 2025087498A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ptl
gdl
electrochemical cell
ccm
mea
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/EP2023/079433
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Albert JAKOBS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch GmbH filed Critical Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority to PCT/EP2023/079433 priority Critical patent/WO2025087498A1/fr
Publication of WO2025087498A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025087498A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M8/1004—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B11/00—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
    • C25B11/02—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by shape or form
    • C25B11/03—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by shape or form perforated or foraminous
    • C25B11/031—Porous electrodes
    • C25B11/032—Gas diffusion electrodes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
    • C25B9/70—Assemblies comprising two or more cells
    • C25B9/73—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type
    • C25B9/77—Assemblies comprising two or more cells of the filter-press type having diaphragms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H01M8/0273—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes with sealing or supporting means in the form of a frame
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/02—Details
    • H01M8/0271—Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
    • H01M8/0286—Processes for forming seals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/10—Fuel cells with solid electrolytes
    • H01M2008/1095—Fuel cells with polymeric electrolytes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an electrochemical cell, e.g. an electrolysis cell or a fuel cell. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell, in particular an electrolysis cell or a fuel cell.
  • An electrochemical cell such like an electrolysis cell or a fuel cell, has a layered construction, typically comprising:
  • the anode and cathode catalyst layers comprise catalyst particles mixed with binder and support materials, typically an ionomer.
  • This layered assembly of the membrane and the electrodes is often referred to as membrane electrode assembly (ME A) or catalyst coated membrane (CCM), the latter referring to the conventional MEA production process of coating the membrane with the electrode catalyst mixture dissolved in a volatile solvent.
  • a porous transport or gas diffusion layer on either side of the MEA/CCM for carrying electric current to or away from the electrodes, while allowing electrolyte and/or the electrochemical reactant(s) and product(s) to be supplied to or carried away from a respective electrode of the CCM.
  • the MEA is defined to include the PTL/GDL.
  • the catalyst can be applied to the PTL/GDL, instead of the membrane, in which case the thus coated PTL/GDL is typically referred to as a porous transport electrode (PTE).
  • the PTL/GDL can be provided as a metal foam, (sintered) metal powder, metal fibers/whiskers felt or mesh, (woven or nonwoven) carbon fibers and the like. Effective porosity, average pore size, tortuosity, as well as electric conductance are all relevant characteristics of the PTL/GDL.
  • a metal bipolar plate shared between and mutually (chemically) separating adjacent cells for coupling electric current out of or, respectively, into these cells.
  • the BPP can be corrugated such that it defines a fluid flow field for the transport of the electrolyte, the reactant, the product and/or a cooling medium across the active area of the cell.
  • a large number of identical cells are stacked and braced together to form an electrochemical stack, e.g. an electrolysis cell stack or a fuel cell stack.
  • An electrochemical cell stack in particular an electrolysis sell stack, is usually operated either at a balanced pressure between anode and cathode or with a higher pressure on one side, which is generally the cathode side. Due to a high differential pressure, local areas of the MEA/CCM can deform plastically. Particularly at risk are those areas that extend over a gap between the anodeside PTL/GDL and the anode-side frame member, because in these areas the MEA/CCM is pressed into the gap. In long-term operation of the electrolysis cell stack this may lead to membrane fatigue, cracks and/or ruptures within the MEA/CCM and - in the worst case - to a sudden death of the cell stack.
  • FIG. 5 shows a MEA/CCM 1 with a cathode 2 and an anode 3.
  • the MEA/CCM 1 is covered on either side by a PTL/GDL 4, 5 and a frame member 6, 7.
  • the frame member 6, 7 encloses the respective PTL/GDL 6, 7 thereby forming a gap 11 .
  • the PTL/GDL 4 is smaller than the PTL/GDL 5 on the anode-side, in figure 6 the lower side.
  • the gap 11 on the anode-side is offset from the gap 11 on the cathode-side.
  • the MEA/CCM 1 is mainly pressed against the anode-side PTL/GDL 5 and not against the anode-side gap 11 .
  • the object of the present invention is to prevent cell degradation caused by a plastic deformation of the MEA/CCM during operation with a higher pressure on one side of the cell, generally the cathode side of the cell.
  • the proposed process serves to manufacture an electrochemical cell, comprising a membrane electrode assembly or catalyst coated membrane, abbreviated MEA/CCM, forming a cathode on the one side and an anode on the other side, a porous transport layer or gas diffusion layer, abbreviated PTL/GDL, on either side of the MEA/CCM and a frame member on either side of the MEA/CCM enclosing the respective PTL/GDL.
  • MEA/CCM membrane electrode assembly or catalyst coated membrane
  • PTL/GDL porous transport layer or gas diffusion layer
  • At least one PTL/GDL is inserted into the respective frame member under a preload during assembly.
  • the at least one PTL/GDL is preloaded against the respective frame member.
  • the product of the proposed process is an electrochemical cell, e.g. an electrolysis cell or a fuel cell, that is less prone to membrane fatigue, cracks and/or ruptures and therefore more durable.
  • a PTL/GDL usually consists of a material that is not or only very limitedly plastically deformable.
  • the at least one PTL/GDL is incised and plastically deformed under strain, so that the PTL/GDL is larger than a cut-out of the frame part into which the PTL/GDL is inserted during assembly.
  • the incisions give the PTL/GDL deformable properties, in particular they allow a plastic deformation of the PTL/GDL.
  • the plastic deformation is achieved by stretching the PTL/GDL.
  • the incisions open and the PTL/GDL acquires spring properties.
  • the spring properties in turn allow an elastic deformation and thus a preload of the PTL/GDL when inserted into the respective frame member.
  • the at least one PTL/GDL is incised perpendicularly and/or obliquely to the plane of the PTL/GDL.
  • the incisions do not extend from one side to the other side of the PTL/GDL, because otherwise the PTL/GDL would be cut into several parts.
  • oblique incisions have the advantage that after inserting the PTL/DL into the respective frame member two inclined planes lie on top of each other in the area of the incision, so that any force acting perpendicularly on the PTL/GDL presses the two inclined planes together.
  • the at least one PTL/GDL is incised with the help of a laser or a waterjet. Both allow very precise incisions.
  • an electrochemical cell in particular an electrolysis cell or a fuel cell, comprising a membrane electrode assembly or catalyst coated membrane, abbreviated MEA/CCM, forming a cathode on the one side and an anode on the other side, a porous transport layer or gas diffusion layer, abbreviated PTL/GDL, on either side of the MEA/CCM and a frame member on either side of the MEA/CCM enclosing the respective PTL/GDL.
  • MEA/CCM membrane electrode assembly or catalyst coated membrane
  • PTL/GDL porous transport layer or gas diffusion layer
  • At least one PTL/GDL is inserted in and preloaded against the respective frame member.
  • the preload prevents a gap between the at least one PTL/GDL and the respective fame member.
  • the anode-side PTL/GDL because during operation the pressure on the cathode side is usually higher than on the anode side so that the MEA/CCM is pressed against the anode-side PTL/GDL and the respective frame member. If there is a gap between the PTL/GDL and the frame member, the MEA/CCM will be pressed into the gap. The deformation stresses the MEA/CCM until cracks or fractures occur. If there is no such gap, the load on the MEA/CCM decreases and its service life increases.
  • the at least one PTL/GDL is provided with at least one incision running perpendicularly and/or obliquely to the plane of the PTL/GDL.
  • the incision allows a plastic deformation of the PTL/GDL before assembly by way of which the PTL/GDL acquires spring properties.
  • the spring properties in turn allow an elastic deformation of the PTL/GDL required for insertion under preload.
  • the at least one incision runs obliquely to the plane of the PTL/GDL.
  • two inclined planes lie on top of each other. Any force acting perpendicular to the PTL/GDL will press these two planes together even more.
  • the at least one PTL/GDL has at least two incisions arranged at an angle, in particular at right angles, to one another.
  • the incisions can be arranged in a cross shape, for example.
  • the incisions allow deformation of the PTL/GDL in more than one direction, in particular in a first direction parallel to the plane of the PTL/GDL and in a second direction perpendicular to this plane.
  • the PTL/GDL acquires spring properties in more than one direction.
  • the at least one PTL/GDL forms a unidirectional or a bidirectional spring.
  • an electrochemical stack comprising at least one electrochemical cell according to the invention is further proposed.
  • a number of identical cells are stacked on top of each other and braced together.
  • Figure 1 a longitudinal section through a first PTL/GDL for an electrochemical cell according to the invention before assembly
  • Figure 2 a) a longitudinal section through a second PTL/GDL for an electrochemical cell according to the invention before assembly, and b) after assembly,
  • Figure 3 a) a longitudinal section through a third PTL/GDL for an electrochemical cell according to the invention before assembly, and b) after assembly,
  • Figure 4 a) a longitudinal section through a forth PTL/GDL for an electrochemical cell according to the invention before assembly, and b) after assembly,
  • Figures 1 to 4 are each limited to the illustration of a PTL/GDL 4, 5 for an electrochemical cell 10 according to the invention.
  • the cell 10 can be constructed analogously to the electrochemical cell 10 shown in figure 5.
  • Figurel shows a first PTL/GDL 5 for an electrochemical cell 10 according to the invention.
  • the PTL/GDL 5 is arranged on the side of the anode 3.
  • the PTL/GDL (see reference sign 4 in brackets) could also be arranged on the side of the cathode 2. This applies to all PTLs/GDLs 5 (4) shown in figures 1 to 4.
  • the PTL/GDL 5 shown in figure 1 has two incisions 8 on opposite sides. These allow for plastic deformation under strain, so that the incisions 8 open. In this state, the PTL/GDL 5 forms a unidirectional spring that allows an elastic deformation. Accordingly, the PTL/GDL 5 can be inserted into a frame member 7 under preload, thereby preventing the formation of a gap 11 as shown in figure 5.
  • the PTL/GDL 5 shown in figure 2 has a plurality of incisions 8, 9 which are arranged parallel and perpendicular to each other. Under strain, the incisions 8, 9 open (see Figure 2a)). In this state, the PTL/GDL 5 forms a bidirectional spring that allows an elastic deformation of the PTL/GDL 5 in two directions. When the PTL/GDL 5 is inserted into a frame member 7, the PTL/GDL 5 is compressed so that the incisions 8, 9 close again (see figure 2b)).
  • FIG. 3 Another example of a PTL/GDL 5 forming a bidirectional spring is shown in figure 3.
  • the incisions 8, 9 are arranged in a cross-shaped pattern that forms a star-shaped opening under strain.
  • the PTL/GDL 5 of figure 4 is only incised once, but at an angle to the plane of the PTL/GDL 5.
  • the oblique incision 8 forms a gap (see figure 4a)), but after insertion of the PTL/GDL 5 into a frame member 7 the preload of the PTL/GDL 5 closes the gap so that two inclined planes are lying on top of each other (see figure 4b)).
  • a force resulting from the fact that the pressure on the cathode 2 side is higher than on the anode 3 side causes a force perpendicular to the cell 10 plane, thereby pressing the MEA/CCM 1 against the anode-side PTL/GDL 5.
  • the force causes that the two inclined planes are pressed together even more.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un procédé de fabrication d'une cellule électrochimique (10), comprenant un assemblage membrane-électrode ou une membrane revêtue de catalyseur (1), abrégé en MEA/CCM (1), formant une cathode (2) d'un côté et une anode (3) de l'autre côté, une couche poreuse de transport ou une couche de diffusion gazeuse (4, 5), abrégée en PTL/GDL (4, 5), de part et d'autre du MEA/CCM (1) et un élément de cadre (6, 7) de part et d'autre du MEA/CCM (1) entourant la PTL/GDL (4, 5) respective. Selon la présente invention, au moins une PTL/GDL (4, 5) est insérée dans l'élément de cadre (6, 7) respectif sous une précharge pendant l'assemblage. L'invention se rapporte en outre à une cellule électrochimique (10) et un empilement de cellules électrochimiques (1).
PCT/EP2023/079433 2023-10-23 2023-10-23 Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule électrochimique, cellule électrochimique Pending WO2025087498A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2023/079433 WO2025087498A1 (fr) 2023-10-23 2023-10-23 Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule électrochimique, cellule électrochimique

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2023/079433 WO2025087498A1 (fr) 2023-10-23 2023-10-23 Procédé de fabrication d'une cellule électrochimique, cellule électrochimique

Publications (1)

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WO2025087498A1 true WO2025087498A1 (fr) 2025-05-01

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080143061A1 (en) * 2006-12-15 2008-06-19 3M Innovative Properties Company Gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket
US20230332306A1 (en) * 2022-04-15 2023-10-19 Twelve Benefit Corporation COx ELECTROLYZER CELL FLOW FIELDS AND GAS DIFFUSION LAYERS
CN117293339A (zh) * 2023-11-15 2023-12-26 北京亿华通科技股份有限公司 燃料电池膜电极边框结构及其制备方法

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080143061A1 (en) * 2006-12-15 2008-06-19 3M Innovative Properties Company Gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket
US20230332306A1 (en) * 2022-04-15 2023-10-19 Twelve Benefit Corporation COx ELECTROLYZER CELL FLOW FIELDS AND GAS DIFFUSION LAYERS
CN117293339A (zh) * 2023-11-15 2023-12-26 北京亿华通科技股份有限公司 燃料电池膜电极边框结构及其制备方法

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