Process for applying electrode layers to a polymer electrolyte membrane strip for fuel cells

U.S. Cl. 29-623.5

13 Claims

US 6,500,217 B1 Process for applying electrode layers to a polymer electrolyte membrane strip for fuel cells Karl-Anton Starz, Rodenbach (Germany); Ralf Zuber, Grossostheim (Germany); Wolfgang Göttenauer, Bruchköbel (Germany); Knut Fehl, Schlüchtern (Germany); and Manfred Diehl, Frankfurt (Germany) Assigned to Degussa-Huls Aktiengesellschaft, Frankfurt am Main (Germany) Filed on Jun. 28, 1999, as Appl. No. 9/340,197. Claims priority of application No. 199 10 773 (DE), filed on Mar. 11, 1999. Int. Cl.7H01N 4/04 U.S. Cl. 298212;623.5 13 Claims 1. A process for applying an electrode layer to a polymer membrane strip in a desired pattern, comprising: treating a polymer membrane to thereby form a water content of 2 to 20 wt % in said polymer membrane, having a front and back surface, printing on said front and back surface an electrode layer in a desired pattern using an ink comprising an electrocatalyst to thereby form a printed electrode layer on said surface, said printing taking place while maintaining accurate positioning of the patterns of the electrode layers on the front and back in relation to one another, drying said front and back surface having said printed electrode layer at elevated temperature immediately after forming said printed electrode layer.